Our Experience Working with PCO

Our family’s experience with the Pasadena Community Orchestra was really lovely. They run a very well organized Young Artist competition, which my son participated in two years in a row and had the honor of winning this year. The conductor and other judges are very supportive during the competition itself, which is so important in developing young artists’ confidence. Even the year my son did not win, he received a personal email from the conductor with specific feedback about his audition. He looked forward to returning and was thrilled to win this year.

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PCO performs Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty Waltz”, Wagner’s “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral”, Franck’s “The Accursed Huntsman” and Gabriel Prokofiev’s “Concerto for Bass Drum” with Dr. Nikolaus Keelaghan as Bass Drum Soloist under the baton of Music Director Beth Pflueger.

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It is impossible to overestimate the importance of music in our lives! Music inspires, excites, motivates, influences, and unites us as humans. The energy of live performance enables all of us to connect more intimately with each composer, each work of art. The PCO musicians look forward to being your partner in creating this musical experience! No matter what literature each concert features, you can expect to leave with new favorite works and composers, and new appreciation for music you already love. See you soon!

Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts has recently awarded us a grant and we would like to encourage you to support their fundraising efforts by purchasing tickets and visiting the 2017 Showcase House of Design. April 23 – May 21, 2017. Purchase tickets HERE.

KICK OFF YOUR SUMMER (AND YOUR SHOES!) AT A FREE CONCERT IN THE PARK!

Join Pasadena Community Orchestra for a relaxing evening of “user-friendly” classical music on the grass.

Saturday, June 11, 6:30 p.m., Sierra Madre Memorial Park, Sierra Madre

Pasadena Community Orchestra’s summer Concert in the Park presents a rare opportunity for the whole family to enjoy accessible orchestral music for free in an easygoing environment. Long-time Sierra Madre resident Bethany Pfleuger leads these accomplished amateur musicians in a program of marches, light classics, film scores and Americana in the band shell of Sierra Madre Memorial Park. Picnics on the lawn, kids playing or taking a close-up look at the musicians on stage, and even a kid-centric “children’s march” around the park mean there’s something to please everyone. It all happens in the band shell at Sierra Madre Memorial Park at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11th.

New this year, visual entertainment will accompany one of the pieces: the Los Angeles Guild of Puppetry presents a stunning presentation to accompany that classic horseback ride, Franz Von Suppé’s “Light Cavalry Overture.” Not your childhood puppet show, the Guild’s artistry combines the grace of ribbon dance and flag twirling with the drama of The Lion King-style giant puppets to illustrate the music’s story. Learn more about the Guild’s shows at http://laguildofpuppetry.org/.

This year’s concert has another “first” — the orchestra presents the world premier performance of a work by young, local composer Richard Bruner. “The Dark Journey” will remind listeners of John Williams and other great film composers: you’ll have bragging rights when Mr. Bruner becomes a household name SoCal!

The concert retains everything that has made it a cherished summer tradition: you can picnic and lounge on the grass with family and friends while enjoying live music. Kids can get up and “get the wiggles out” whenever they need to, and can also get a casual introduction to classical music (they – and you — can even talk with the musicians afterwards). The venue is easy to get to, and parking and admission are free: sort of a Hollywood Bowl done easy and local.

For 33 years, PCO has been bringing fine classical music to the community free of charge (donations are welcome). Well-trained musicians provide a high-quality musical experience. Sierra Madre Memorial Park is located at 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., one block east of Baldwin Ave. Street parking is free (arrive early for closest parking). Bring your own picnic, and chairs or blankets for sitting.

For further information, please contact PCO at 626.445.6708 or publicity@pcomusic.org.