[Joshua Roman is] “A cellist of bold character and poetic grace … a masterful player who brings curiosity and electrical energy to every note.” - The Plain Dealer

FEATURED ARTISTS:

Pacific Symphony
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Joshua Roman, cello

PROGRAM:

MOZART Symphony No. 35 in D major, K.385
BARBER Adagio for Strings
TCHAIKOVSKY Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33

Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair for the past 34 years, continues to captivate audiences with its dynamic performances and innovative programming. The orchestra, known for its rich history and contributions to both the national and international music scenes, will imbue this program with unparalleled artistry. Soka Performing Arts Center is proud to be the home of the Pacific Symphony Chamber Orchestra.

Joining the orchestra for this performance is the remarkable cellist Joshua Roman. Hailed for his “effortlessly expressive tone… and playful zest for exploration” (New York Times) and praised for his “extraordinary technical and musical gifts” (San Francisco Chronicle), Roman’s genre-bending programs and wide-ranging collaborations have earned him acclaim across the globe. His solo performance with the YouTube Symphony at Carnegie Hall was viewed by 33 million people, with Yo-Yo Ma introducing him as “one of the great exemplars of the ideal 21st-century musician.” Roman’s innovative spirit and commitment to bringing classical music to new audiences make him a standout artist in today’s musical landscape.

Celebrating its 45th anniversary, Pacific Symphony has grown into the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years. Its reputation as an outstanding ensemble is bolstered by performances at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and its significant cultural exchange through tours, including a notable tour of China. The Symphony’s dedication to community engagement and education is reflected in its extensive programs reaching over 300,000 people annually, from school children to senior citizens.

Under St.Clair’s visionary leadership, the Symphony has commissioned and premiered numerous new works, continually pushing the boundaries of orchestral music. This commitment to innovation is evident in their diverse repertoire, ranging from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, and their successful opera initiative, “Symphonic Voices.”

Attendees of this concert can anticipate an evening filled with emotional depth and musical brilliance. Mozart’s Symphony No. 35, known for its exuberant energy and masterful orchestration, will set the stage for the profound beauty of Barber’s Adagio for Strings, a piece renowned for its hauntingly emotional depth. The program culminates with Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, a virtuosic showcase that blends elegance with technical prowess.