Pacific Symphony Hosts A VALENTINE PRELUDE to Benefit Educational Programs Today

Share the love! It's a heart-filled evening of music, dining and entertainment-when Pacific Symphony's esteemed support group, the Pacific Symphony League, hosts "A Valentine Prelude" to benefit the Symphony's music education programs. Taking place tonight, Feb. 13, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., at the Center Club in Costa Mesa, the fund-raising dinner serves as an overture to the Symphony's "Valentine's Day with Matthew Morrison" Pops concert taking place in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall that same night.

Taking a cue from Morrison, who attended Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA), the Prelude features OCSA's premier performing ensemble, Montage!, comprised of students in grades 7-12 with the highest level of the school's artistic talent in singing, dancing, music and acting. After the dinner, guests are charmed by award-winning, Broadway star and "Glee" actor Matthew Morrison who performs a romantic array of show tunes and jazz standards for a Valentine's Day concert that is sure to be the perfect night out with a special someone!

The Prelude is open to anyone with a love for music and furthering music education among young people. Tables seating 10 are available at $2,500 and $1,500. Individual seats are $150. To reserve tickets, call Susan Baker at (949) 720-0121. Concert tickets are sold separately; call (714) 755-5799 or visit www.PacificSymphony.org for more information.

"Guests can expect cocktails and an excellent dinner at the elegant Center Club," says Susan Baker, Pacific Symphony League member. "With good company plus the satisfaction of knowing they have helped sustain Pacific Symphony's award-winning educational and community outreach programs, proving once again that music really does matter!"

Pacific Symphony, celebrating its 35th anniversary this season, is involved in comprehensive educational programs for a variety of age groups, with a focus on youth. The newest educational program for fourth and fifth grade students in under-served neighborhoods in Santa Ana is called Santa Ana Strings. Students receive in-depth violin instruction from SAUSD (Santa Ana Unified School District) music educators and Pacific Symphony musicians in both small and large group settings, a violin to take home, academic tutoring and numerous performance opportunities, many of which are in conjunction with Pacific Symphony concerts.

Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles include three performing ensembles: Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, led by Assistant Conductor Alejandro Gutiérrez: Pacific Symphony Youth Wind Ensemble, led by Music Director Joshua Roach; and Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, led by music educator Irene Kroesen. The Symphony also produces five Saturday Family Musical Mornings programs (10 total performances) that introduce young audiences, ages 5-11, and their families to the Symphony. These interactive concerts are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, presenting a broad range of musical styles and teaching the fundamentals of orchestral music.

"Heartstrings" is a major community-wide program providing free access to concerts, hands-on enrichment activities and transportation for a range of underserved local residents in partnership with Orange County agencies. And taking place during the summer is arts-X-press, an intensive summer arts camp for 150 7th and 8th graders nominated by their teachers and created by Music Director Carl St. Clair in memory of his son Cole.

Founded in 1990, the Pacific Symphony League is a group of 150 men and women who share a love for music and music education for young people. Members of the League volunteer at Symphony education programs and raise funds to support the Symphony through special benefit events and by selling merchandise at concerts in the Symphony shop. The League also meets monthly for a membership luncheon that includes a musical education and performance component.

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