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!

Hear Beethoven’s 3^rd “Piano Concerto,” Brahms’ “Hungarian Dance #19,” “Ballet Music from El Cid” by Massenet, and Tchaikovsy’s stirring “Marche Slave”

Friday, May 12, 8:00 p.m., First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena

WHO: Pasadena Community Orchestra

WHAT: Join Pasadena Community Orchestra and talented young pianist Rufus Bordal on a world tour through music! At age 16, pianist Rufus Bordal has already won 1^st place in numerous prestigious competitions (including the Los Angeles Young Musicians International Competition), and has performed concertos with several Los Angeles-area orchestras.

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Oliverson performs this epic romantic favorite with the fire and passion audiences have come to expect from this rising star. The orchestra, under Music Director Bethany Pflueger, contributes three other joy-infused works to the program: Glinka’s irresistible “Russlan and Ludmilla Overture,” Prokofiev’s witty “Lieutenant Kijé Suite,” and Mozart’s Overture to the ebullient “Cosi Fan Tutte.”

On Friday, November 11, 2016, at 8:00 p.m., violin phenomenon Aubree Oliverson joins Pasadena Community Orchestra, performing Wieniawski’s fiery Vioin Concerto No. 2. Audiences were swept away by her May 2015 performance of Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole with PCO, as well as by her performances last summer at the famed Aspen and Innsbrook Music Festivals. Oliverson has garnered multiple high honors, including the United States Presidential Scholar for the Arts, given to only 20 graduating high school students nation-wide. The orchestra, led by Music Director Bethany Pflueger, rounds out the evening with three joyous, high-energy offerings. You can’t help but smile at the wildly energetic Overture to Russlan and Ludmilla, by the “father of Russian music,” Mikhail Glinka. Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé Suite (one of his most popular works), showcases the composer’s great wit, melodic gifts, and programmatic skills. The Overture to Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, like the opera, is light-hearted and ebullient, with bright, sparkling sounds and melodies that exude lively good humor. Audience members may meet the soloist, Music Director Bethany Pflueger, and other musicians at a reception following the concert. Admission is free, and no reservations are necessary.

At First Church of the Nazarene, 3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena.

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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.

The Pasadena Community Orchestra is proud to announce that we are recipients of a grant from the Pasadena Showcase House For the Arts! Each year, awards, gifts and grants are given to schools and symphonic associations like the P.C.O. Without this kind of support from our community of friends, donors and supporters we would not be able to bring you FREE Classical programming. The PCO uses funds from this key grant to bring to you our Annual Young Artist Competition Program and Concert. This year, we are proud to announce the 2016 Award Recipient, Alexander Agate. Click here to learn more about Alexander and be sure to RSVP for this FREE Concert event here.