Rachmaninoff’s Concerto, Sibelius’ Symphony Launch Pacific Symphony’s 47th Year

Pacific Symphony launches its 47th season with “Rachmaninoff & Sibelius,” bringing together two late-Romantic masterworks and two acclaimed guest artists.

French conductor Ludovic Morlot, music director of the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and conductor emeritus of the Seattle Symphony, leads the orchestra in Rachmaninoff’s beloved Piano Concerto No. 2 and Sibelius’ sweeping Symphony No. 1. Pianist Alessio Bax, praised by Gramophone as “among the most remarkable young pianists now before the public,” joins for the concerto.

Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, written in 1900-01 after the failure of his First Symphony, restored the composer’s confidence and became one of the most celebrated works in the classical canon. Its lush romanticism and soaring themes have inspired everything from Frank Sinatra ballads to classic films such as Brief Encounter and The Seven Year Itch.

After intermission, Morlot conducts Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1, the 1899 work that announced the Finnish composer’s arrival on the world stage. Opening with a haunting clarinet solo, the symphony brims with Nordic expression, romantic lyricism, and dramatic contrasts.

Pacific Symphony’s Opening Weekend concerts take place Sept. 18-20 at 8 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. Tickets start at $36, with season packages from $126. A preview talk with Alan Chapman begins at 7 p.m. 

For tickets and details, visit PacificSymphony.org or call (714) 755-5799.

Bruxie Introduces Dubai Chocolate Shake

Bruxie, the fast-casual concept known for craveworthy comfort food, is debuting its most indulgent shake yet: the Dubai Chocolate Shake. Inspired by the viral dessert sensation, this limited-time offering is available now at all locations.

Made with Bruxie’s signature Wisconsin Frozen Custard, the shake blends pistachio cream and crispy kataifi. It’s finished with whipped cream, chocolate sauce and crushed pistachios for a decadent flavor that feels both luxurious and comforting.

The Dubai Chocolate trend first emerged in Dubai’s luxury dessert scene, where its over-the-top layers of pistachio cream, chocolate drizzle and golden kataifi pastry became an international sensation.

Since 2010, Bruxie has paired a laid-back atmosphere with chef-driven recipes, from hand-crafted chicken tenders and inventive waffle sandwiches to shakes and desserts. The brand prides itself on in-house sauces, 24-hour marinated chicken, and Belgian-inspired waffle batter that’s light, airy and crisp.

With 11 California restaurants and one in Georgia, Bruxie continues to expand its coast-to-coast footprint with bold, inventive flavors. More at Bruxie.com.

California Locations
Brea – Downtown at Birch Street Promenade
Costa Mesa – The Collage at South Coast Plaza
Davis – Davis Commons
El Segundo – Apollo Landing
Long Beach – Ocean Boulevard
Los Angeles – The Shops at USC Village
North Hollywood – NoHo Arts District
Orange – Old Towne
Santa Barbara – Paseo Nuevo on State Street
Santa Monica – 3rd Street Promenade
Westwood – UCLA Westwood Village

Photo Credit: John Dole Photography

Roger’s Gardens Celebrates 50 Years with Halloween Boutique, Midnight Market

Roger’s Gardens is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the return of its legendary Halloween Boutique, one of the most anticipated seasonal events in Southern California. Drawing more than 100,000 visitors each year, the boutique transforms the store into an immersive, theatrical shopping destination filled with collectible décor and seasonal treasures.

This year’s theme, Midnight Market, is brought to life by Head Merchant Hedda Staines, Holiday & Home Décor Buyer Crystal Pittman, and the visual merchandising team. Together they’ve created seven vignettes that capture the spirit of a mysterious after-dark bazaar, where enchanting botanicals, eerie curiosities, and hauntingly beautiful décor invite guests to explore a world between fantasy and reality.

New this season is the Nightshade Nursery, a limited-edition collection of silk botanicals handcrafted by the Original Designs Team. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, blending horror and beauty in ways only Roger’s Gardens can achieve.

With more than 500 curated products ranging from dark florals and elegant tableware to pumpkins, apothecary goods, and wearable designs, the Halloween Boutique continues its tradition of artistry, imagination, and seasonal magic.

This year’s boutique highlights include:

• Madam Nocturna & the Wheel of Fate – fortune-telling and mysticism
• Ghastly Goodies – tableware and entertaining essentials
• Remedy & Root Apothecary – potions, skulls, and curiosities
• The Wicked Stitch – textiles and wearables
• Midnight Menagerie – snakes and creepy crawlies
• Nightshade Nursery – sinister botanicals and bewitched plants
• Harvest Hallow – pumpkins in every style and shade
• Curiosity Crossroads – ghosts, crows, and bone-chilling finds

The Halloween Boutique is open daily through October at Roger’s Gardens.

Open daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Roger’s Gardens is at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd. in Corona del Mar. (949) 640-5800