Symphony lineup released

Performances at not-yet-finished concert hall will test boundaries of new space, director says.Orange County’s Pacific Symphony has announced the schedule for the 2006-07 concert season, its first in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, which is still under construction.

Music Director Carl St. Clair said each programming decision has been made with the new performance space in mind. The inaugural season in the concert hall includes specially commissioned works and a number of pieces being performed for the first time by the Pacific Symphony.

The season is being referred to as “Sonic Explorations.” As St. Clair explained, it is about testing the acoustic boundaries of the 2,000-seat facility.

“We program music that will give this hall an incredible test drive,” St. Clair said Wednesday. “We have an opportunity to see both intimate and grand music.”

St. Clair pointed to an increase in music festivals as a change in the way the Pacific Symphony is formatting its concert schedule.

Four festivals highlight the 2006-07 schedule. They are: the American-Russian Festival; the Gypsy Fire; American Composers Festival -- Los Sonidos de Mexico; and SpringFest 2007 -- Pulse.

The American-Russian Festival: The Jazz Connection, from Sept. 21-24, 2006, focuses on the work of Igor Stravinsky, George Gershwin and Leonard Bernstein.

A special festival is being planned for Oct. 26 through 28, 2006, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution.

The American Composers Festival, from April 26 to 28, 2007, is a tribute to music native to Mexico. And a new festival dedicated to rhythm in music, called SpringFest, is debuting in May 2007.

“I wanted something that has energy and drive,” St. Clair said about the latter festival.

Pacific Symphony President John Forsyte said the new concert hall has allowed for a 30% increase in concert programming. The adjoining Samueli Theater will allow the symphony to expand its educational programs to include children under the age of 5, he said.

The grand opening celebration, announced earlier this year, is scheduled for Sept. 15, 2006. St. Clair will be conducting a performance that features a world premiere by composer William Bolcom. Tenor Plácido Domingo is among the special guests invited to perform during the opening ceremonies.

“We know the first performance will set the tone,” Forsyte said.

The Pacific Symphony Pops schedule was also announced. For its gala opening concert next fall, vocalists Monica Mancini, Patti Austin, Davis Gaines and Lisa Vroman are scheduled to perform.