Pasadena Symphony and Pops

ThePasadena Symphony and POPSis an Americanorchestrabased inPasadena, California.In 2010, it took up residence at theAmbassador Auditorium,where its Classics Series runs from October through April. Since 2012, it performs a summer series at theLos Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Gardenfrom June through September.

Brief history

The Pasadena Symphony was founded in 1928 as thePasadena Civic OrchestrabyReginald Bland.From 1936 to 1972, Dr.Richard Lertserved as Music Director and Conductor.Virginia Greggplayed double bass in the orchestra at this time before starring on the radio. The symphony was recognized with Metropolitan Status by the American Symphony Orchestra League in 1968. The organization became known as the Pasadena Symphony Association.

Daniel Lewisserved as Music Director and Conductor between 1972 and 1984.

In 1984,Jorge Mesterbecame Pasadena Symphony's fourth music director.

In Fall 2007 the Pasadena Symphony incorporated the Pasadena POPS into its Association under the new name Pasadena Symphony and POPS.

In 2007 MaestraRachael Worbycontinued on from the previous Pasadena POPS Orchestra, assuming the principal POPS conductor position of the Pasadena Symphony Association. In August 2010 MaestroMarvin Hamlischwas appointed principal POPS conductor. After Hamlisch's death in August 2012, a search foundMichael Feinstein,who assumed the post beginning with the 2013 POPS season.

Venues

Ambassador Auditorium

In September 2010 the Pasadena Symphony became the resident professional symphony at Ambassador Auditorium.

At the time of its construction, the building was furnished with Iranianonyx,Africanteak,wool carpet fromIndia,and gold overlay. It seats 1262. On January 26, 1996,National Public Radiostaged a battle of the bands between the cities contending inSuper Bowl XXX.Pittsburgh'sRiver City Brass BandplayedSemper FidelisbyJohn Philip Sousaand theBattle Royal Marchby Fred Jewell in concert at Ambassador Auditorium, followed by a performance from Dallas at theMorton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

TheWorldwide Church of God(WCG), which operated the college and auditorium, ceased operation of both in the 1990s and sold the property.The WCG later relocated its operations to nearbyGlendora.

On May 14, 2004, the church announced the sale of approximately 13 acres (53,000 m²) of its former 31-acre (125,000 m²) campus to Harvest Rock Church andMaranatha High School.The sale included the Ambassador Auditorium, now under the sole ownership of the church. In addition to hosting its own services and high school functions, it hosts public performances by many regional ensembles including theColburn Orchestra,California Philharmonicand the Pasadena Symphony and POPS.

Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

In summer 2012, the Pasadena POPS performed at theLos Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden,a 127-acre (51.4 ha)arboretum,botanical garden,and historical site inArcadia.

All Saints Church

Beginning in 2011, the Pasadena Symphony has performed an annual Holiday Candlelight concert in Pasadena'sAll Saints Episcopal Church.

Musical leadership

Reginald Bland

The Pasadena Symphony was founded in 1928 as the Pasadena Civic Orchestra by Conductor Reginald Bland. The original orchestra members were all volunteer musicians, most of whom were students of Maestro Bland. The annual operating budget was $3,500, all of which were funded by the City of Pasadena. The symphony presented its first concert on April 29, 1929.

Dr. Richard Lert

Dr. Richard Lert was appointed Music Director and Conductor in 1936. Under Lert, the Symphony became a founding member of theLos Angeles Symphony Leaguein 1955, and was recognized with Metropolitan Status by the American Symphony Orchestra League in 1968. During his tenure, the organization became known as The Pasadena Symphony Association.

Daniel Lewis

Under his leadership, several national awards were won, including fiveAmerican Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers(ASCAP) awards for adventuresome programming. Lewis's tenure also marks the founding of the Symphony's longest-running education program, thePasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Jorge Mester

In 1984, conductorJorge Mesterwas selected as the Pasadena Symphony's fourth music director.

Marvin Hamlisch

In August 2010, American composerMarvin Hamlischwas appointed Principal POPS Conductor for the organization.

Michael Feinstein

After Hamlisch's death in August 2012, a search foundGreat American SongbookstarMichael Feinstein,who assumed the post beginning with the 2013 POPS season.

James DePreist

In June 2010, American conductorJames DePreistwas named Artistic Advisor to the Pasadena Symphony and POPS.

David Lockington

Maestro Lockington began his tenure as Music Director during the 2013-14 season with full duties which commenced in 2014-15 with multiple performances.

Nicholas McGegan

Since 2013, British conductor,Nicholas McGeganis the current conductor of the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra.

Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra

The Pasadena Symphony Association also operates the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO). It consists of four separate ensembles: aWind Ensemble,String Ensemble,the Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonic. The ensembles operate under the direction of Pasadena Symphony staff. PYSO has several levels of ensembles, including the Philharmonic conducted byChris Kim,the Sinfonia Orchestra conducted byPin Chen,the Symphony Orchestra conducted byJack Taylor,and the Wind Ensemble conducted byGary Yearick.

External links

• Pasadena Symphony and POPS Official Website