First published in the April 28 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
The Pasadena Symphony concludes its season on Saturday, April 30, with the four most well-known notes in classical music — Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. Relentless, emotional and triumphant all describe Beethoven’s most famous symphony, which will be led by internationally renowned conductor Keitaro Harada.
Harada currently serves as Music Director of the Savannah Philharmonic and Associate Conductor of the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, and is making his debut with the Pasadena Symphony as part of its search for a new music director.
The program opens with the world premiere of In Nomine by Composers Showcase artist Brett Banducci, performed by the orchestra’s Principal Horn James Thatcher. Technically dazzling and intellectually probing, pianist Ran Dank delivers passion and pyrotechnics with Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Dank replaces pianist Valentina Lisitsa who was previously scheduled to perform.
Dank recently performed at the National Gallery in Washington, D.C., with the Portland Symphony, and in recitals at the San Francisco Performances Series, Gilmore, Ravinia, Carnegie Hall’s Zankel and Weill Halls, Steinway Hall, Gardner Museum, Kennedy Center and the Yale School of Music. His performances have garnered critical acclaim from The New York Times and the Washington Post.
To learn more about the music, come early for Insights — a free pre-concert dialogue with conductor Harada and composer Banducci, which begins one hour prior to each performance. Patrons who arrive early can also enjoy a drink or a bite in the outdoor, tented Rusnak Symphony Lounge. A posh setting along Ambassador Auditorium’s beautiful outdoor plaza, patrons enjoy uniquely prepared menus for both lunch and dinner at each concert by Claud & Co and a full bar and fine wines from the Michero Family serving Riboli Family Wines before the concert and during intermission. In order to provide the safest possible experience, all food must be pre-ordered. For more information, visit: bit.ly/symphony-dining.
Performances will be held at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Ambassador Auditorium, 131 South St. John Ave. Single tickets start at $35 and may be purchased online at pasadenasymphony-pops.org, by calling (626) 793-7172 or at the Ambassador box office starting at noon on concert days.
The Pasadena Symphony holds the safety of its audience, staff and musicians as its top priority. The Pasadena Symphony requires all concertgoers to be fully vaccinated, including a booster dose for those who are eligible. Masks are now optional inside the venue. COVID-19 protocols for concerts at Ambassador Auditorium are evolving with L.A. County Health Department guidelines and will be updated here: pasadenasymphony-pops.org/safety.
