Greer's OC

Music has the power to transport listeners to another world, and that is exactly the vision Alexander Shelley brings to his first concerts as artistic and music director designate of Pacific Symphony. Taking place October 16–19 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the program celebrates evocative storytelling and orchestral mastery from both classic and contemporary composers.

The centerpiece of the evening is Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade,” a dazzling musical tapestry inspired by the tales of “One Thousand and One Nights.” The piece showcases individual musicians throughout, from the opening notes evoking the sea to the vivid sounds of an Arabian marketplace. Concertmaster Dennis Kim will be heard as the solo violin representing Scheherazade herself, whose voice unfolds through delicate harp and woodwind passages.

The concert also features Spanish guitarist Pablo Sainz-Villegas performing Arturo Márquez’s “Concerto for Guitar, Mystical and Profane.” Written specifically for Sainz-Villegas, the work blends two cultures and explores music as a universal language of unity. Its second movement includes a lyrical clarinet theme before closing with the vibrant romanesca dance.

Opening the program is Jessie Montgomery’s “Starburst,” a one-movement work that bursts with radiant energy. The GRAMMY® Award-winning composer drew inspiration from the image of an exploding star, creating a piece that shimmers with vitality and optimism.

“Shelley Conducts Scheherazade” takes place Thursday through Saturday, October 16–18, at 8 p.m. at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. A pre-concert talk with KUSC host Alan Chapman begins at 7 p.m. A Sunday matinee on October 19 at 3 p.m. will feature only Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.”

Tickets range from $36 to $252. For details or to purchase, call (714) 858-0945 or visit pacificsymphony.org

Pacific Symphony’s 2025–26 Classical Season continues with Shelley leading three more programs:

• “Carmen & Daphnis and Chloe” (Nov. 20–22, 2025)
• “Stravinsky’s Firebird” (Jan. 15–18, 2026)
• “America at 250” (May 28–30, 2026)

Pacific Symphony’s Classical Series is made possible by the Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation, with additional support from Classical California KUSC, Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, and PBS SoCal.

600 Town Center Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.