I've been here many times when I was in elementary school. The symphony and the music flowing through this place brings back memories. Thinking back now, it reminds me of the Dolby Theater. I remembered they played the Indiana Jones theme song here years ago. Got me really pumped up with excitement. read more

I love the Pacific Symphony and feel so lucky to have it as my neighborhood symphony. My husband and I had Sunday afternoon tickets for Brahms' 4th symphony today, to which I was really looking forward. Unfortunately, the experience was basically destroyed by Mr. St. Clair's decision to stop after the first and second movements to explain what the audience was about to hear. It just completely destroyed the flow and my ability to hear the symphony the way the composer intended it to be heard. I appreciate understanding the context for the music. I have the ability to research this information for myself. If Mr. St. Clair feels the need to explain the piece to the audience, can he please do that before the orchestra starts playing? I'm feeling kind of ridiculously angry about being deprived of this immersive experience today. Please consider this feedback because we have tickets, once again, for the Sunday series and I'm coming to listen to the music. It's a visceral experience that I want to have without someone interfering with it. Respectfully, Leslie K read more

We have been season subscribers to this orchestra since 2014. The musicians are fantastic. This review has nothing to do with them, and I wish I could leave the 5 star review they deserve. Now onto the management and the audience... Three weeks ago I sent an email to their customer service about a practical issue. I sent a follow-up when I hadn't heard back in two weeks. Three weeks on, and they apparently can't be bothered to respond. I wish this surprised me, but getting adequate assistance the few times we've had occasion to contact them when issues have come up in the past has been a trial (including a particularly egregious one when they failed to process our renewal paperwork and gave our seats away). At least, in the past, they could be bothered to respond, if not always very helpfully at first. A second issue that has gotten really bad the past two to three years is the proliferations of people in the audience who chatter during the music. Most concerts now, we are in hearing range of multiple people who talk to each other during the performances. It's always been the case the every few concerts there might be one, maybe two, and they were usually responsive to signals. Now there are as many as five pairs or groups every performance just in our general area. (If you are unexperienced with classical concerts: your voice carries better than you think it does given the acoustics of concert halls, and you are distracting others who came to hear the performance - this is a big no-no during classical performances and is considered disrespectful to the musicians as well as other concert goers.) Last concert, two particularly habitual chatterboxes got belligerent with several people trying to shush them (adding to the overall noise) during a visiting artist's encore, then carried on with their conversation while looking angry and entitled (this pair is a few rows behind us and several seats over, but they are a regular part of the soundscape all season now). I have contacted the symphony about this, but they were non-committal about taking any steps (such as my suggestion of adding an announcement alongside their flash photography prohibition announcement), and no steps have been taken. Their ushers, we are assured, are trained to handle these situations. Their ushers do not engage unless you make a complaint about a specific audience member to one of the less timid ones (of course, after you have endured their inane comments for the first half of the concert - "Oh, I recognize this. They were saying in the pre-concert talk that Beethoven..." or the latest gossip among their acquaintances). This is a difficult problem to address, but the orchestra management currently has settled on making no attempt to try to address it. The quality of the concert experience has suffered tremendously as a result. It makes us have to question how long continuing to attend is viable. read more

Went to the 4th of July concert in the great park and overall it wasn't the best. Parking was atrocious and the show didn't start for 30 min. The 3 ppl in the ticketing were lovely and all smiling and so helpful, especially the man with the glasses, he was so knowledgeable and really helped us get the best seats on the spot. The vendors were wonderful and the ambiance was beautiful, however I noticed a woman who was a staff member who was in a hat with a fan around her neck and glasses, probably a manager, that was just awful. She was not friendly to adults or children and clearly not someone who should be in customer service or in charge. It did leave a bad taste in our mouths seeing her behavior. The only saving grace was a good show, good food, and great ppl in ticketing read more

Great orchestra, venue and staff. Easy to get in an out of venue, drinks and meet and greet with composer prior and after show.

One of the most beautiful venues. Clean and comfortable seats, amazing staff, and wonderful variety at the bar. Always a great time. read more

See all

It really pains me to write a less-than-ideal review for these folks because they're a wonderful organization with top-tier talent and caring staff. I know you're asking, if that's so great, why the lack of stars? In a nutshell - MONEY. I received a promotion for twenty dollar seats in certain sections at a variety of shows. I figured this would make a terrific holiday gift for my husband who loves music. Well, I couldn't find those prices so I opted for a somewhat low-cost seat for thirty-five dollars and dropped that into my cart. Once there, the site updated to include a ticket surcharge of *eighteen dollars*. What does that even cover? Not parking. Not concessions. Not souvenirs. So, what then? Greed, apparently. Look. We all know ticketing surcharges exist and have existed since the first caveman chisled out the first ticket on a stone tablet all those many years ago. A *fifty-two percent* surcharge is both insulting and, dare I say it, disgusting. Needless to say I dumped my cart. Sorry, P.S.; your decision to push your hand further into my pocket left me feeling rather p.o.'d. No sale. read more

Pacific Symphony - Egregious ticket surcharge for the "cheap seats". Is this per ticket? I don't even know. - Performing Arts Near Me - Irvine, California

This is one of the most incredible musical experiences of my life. Hearing the score to an epic movie come alive made me understand why Star Wars is a phenomenon. Special thanks to Dana Long along for connecting me to such an unforgettable experience. read more

Excellent performance and musicianship! I took my son who was not too familiar with the genre and he was enchanted.

Talked to Scott in ticketing and he was the most knowledgeable well spoken and helpful person I've ever talked to at a company! He not only helped me with a big order but also had wonderful recommendations and knew so much about the company and its sister location! This guy is gold and I can't wait to recommend everyone I know to see shows through Pacific Symphony! read more

I took my boyfriend to the Star Wars symphony show for his birthday and he loved it! It was our first time there and we loved the show. They had light refreshments for sale. The bathrooms were super clean, the employees were welcoming. The only thing I would suggest is to have a sign by the doors about their food policy and using your phone to record. I think I only saw one by the main entrance, but I think it would help to have another one before entering the show or have the employees remind the guests about the rules. read more

The fastest growing orchestra in America. Pacific Symphony this past year performed to a sold out concert in Carnegie Hall, toured China and was seen by millions on PBS Great Performance Ellis Island : The Dream of America. Don't miss the 2018-19 season of this world class treasure, the Pride of Orange County! read more

Saw Lyle Lovett last night with the orchestra supporting his band. Wow! It was fabulous. The story telling, the songs, the richness from the orchestra was incredible. What a great show. read more

If you've never experienced live classical music, the Pacific Symphony is a good place to start. We went to a concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, which is a great place to see the symphony since you can bring in food and wine! The music was very accessible. Even if you never listen to classical, you'll probably recognize some of the selections from movies. In addition, the conductor, Carl St. Clair, spoke a little bit about each piece before they started playing. The night we went featured a photo slide show along with one of the pieces. I noticed the other day in the Los Angeles Times that they were offering tickets for 50% off. If you've never seen the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and you live in Orange County, it's something you should do at least once. It's a lovely way to spend an evening. read more

Pacific Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Irvine, California

They play at every Irvine Meadows Independence Day celebration. Nice song selections (pop, Dixie, Swing, jazz). read more

Pacific Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Irvine, California

The most amazing concert hall on the west coast. The acoustics are phenomenal, with many top notch events

I can't believe I'm the first one to review Pacific Symphony Orchestra- and by god, I don't even live in Orange County! Tsk tsk tsk! *wags fingers* No wonder Opera Pacific went bankrupt. Boo! :( I often see them either @ the OCPAC or the Verizon. The new symphony hall is gorgeous, and I also love the outdoor concerts. I really enjoy their summer Tchaikovsky finale every year at the Verizon Amphitheater. I love to grab a friend or two, make up a nice picnic and head to listen to Tchaikovsky under the stars on a nice balmy night. The orchestra is quite solid- I have yet to have any qualms about the orchestra. The soloists are sometimes mediocre, but the awesome 1812 and the fireworks at the end always leaves me a happy bunny. :) read more

We always love coming to the summer concert series of Pacific Symphony. Listening to different genre of music under the stars is one of our family's all time favorite pastime. We are blessed to have this fantastic symphony in our community!! Thank you for tonight's performance of Star Trek!! read more

This was a wonderful experience. Watched them perform Dvorak, Gershwin, Smetana. First viewing of this orchestra and location (Segestrom) and I was impressed. The best part of it was watching the female conductor Anu. She was out of this world amazing and truly unique. read more

Pacific Symphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Irvine, California

Orange County is fortunate to have such a great local orchestra, and I say that as someone who played oboe in orchestras for a long time and who has heard most of the world's great orchestras, from the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics to the NY Philharmonic and the Cleveland Orchestra. The Pacific Symphony will never be in that luxury class, but they are exceptional for what they are. I've been to many of their concerts and have always enjoyed myself. That said, I haven't been going as often in recent years for a couple of reasons: 1. they tend to program and re-program the same crowd-pleasers every three years or so. When one considers the vast wealth of orchestral repertoire available, you wonder why "Pines of Rome" and Rach 3 are recycled every couple of years, not to mention the Beethoven 9th, which seems to be performed every other year (answer: guaranteed ticket sales). Personally, I don't need to hear these warhorses year after year. 2. there is simply too much blather coming from the stage during performances. I understand that orchestras want to reach out to younger audiences, but for the seasoned concert goer, this emphasis on bringing the concert experience down to some imagined lowest common denominator sort of sucks. I've found myself avoiding concerts that fall into this "educate the audience" formula, because I really want to experience the music through my own lens, and not through the lens that is being forced on the audience by some narrator on the stage. 3. sometimes, they try too hard to bring something "new and relevant" to the concert-going experience. I find these efforts a bit kitschy, condescending and ineffectual. But then, I'm not the person being targeted by these efforts. All I can say is that for me, I will tend to avoid attending concerts that I know will be encrusted with a layer of non-musical baggage. Still, it's a great orchestra and they play in a fabulous hall. read more

Went to Pacific Amphitheater to see The Symphony with Pink Floyd cover band doing Dark Side of the Moon. I will definitely go more if you would do more of that!!! Great job everyone. Symphony outdoors in this great venue. Casual dress, cocktails and food. A perfect night. read more

From classical and pops concerts through the regular season, to fun, family focused concerts during the summer, Pacific Symphony provides a great orchestra for the OC audience. Pacific Symphony brings in world class artists to perform. So, if you're hoping to find top classical music entertainment, you need look no further. Pops concerts always include a variety of artists. It is easy to find something in their pops season that will fit your taste. Family concerts are fun and perfect for the young families of OC - designed to appeal to concert goers from age 4-9. It is unfortunate Pacific Symphony is not better known. Price for entertainment, they really are one of the best values in Orange County. Only drawback: they don't perform every weekend. read more

I am a huge orchestra person when it comes to the Pacific Symphony in concert. I also witnessed Carl St. Clair, Gustavo Dudamel, Leonard Bernstein and many famous conductors taking the stage. On piano, it's either Vladimir Horowitz, Arthur Rubenstein, Leonard Bernstein and Lang Lang. Here is some information about the show I've attended. Show was led by Carl St. Clair. In this perdormance... *Joseph Haydn--Symphony no.97 *Franz Liszt--Transcendental Etude *Peter Tchaikovsky--Piano Concerto no 1 in Bb Minor Edvard Grieg-Piano Concerto in A Minor Overall satisfaction is the best place I have been here and definitely coming back. These programs are a production of Classical KUSC and hosted by Brian Lairthzen. An AMAZING location. 10/10, 5 stars read more

I hate to not give something of any cultural value in Orange County 5 stars, but I have to admit their performances are not always flawless and the audience doesn't help. I watched them perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto #5 "Emperor". Although the pianist was awesome, for goodness sake, the brass can't be feeble in something labeled "Emperor". Funny thing, met Tony and Jerome (trumpets) across the street at TGIF. Jerome gives me crap about how I couldn't guess they were in the orchestra just because they were wearing tuxes and we were across the street from the concert hall. Hello, this is orange county in South Coast Metro, just maybe you're a lawyer (not exactly impossible there). Their guest performers, however, are unparalleled ( Andre Watts, wow!). The audience, jeez. Front row orchestra, old guys with free tickets from their firms whose wives pestered them into doing something nice for once. Would it kill them (on second thought, maybe) to have a cup of coffee or something to keep them awake through the show. I can't even mention how unpleasant it is to have half the audience walk out at 9:00 because it is getting late regardless of where the concert is. I would like to encourage people to support this institution, they are working hard to do the Lord's work putting on a stand-up performance (even if it doesn't always work out right) in the heart of cultural darkness (well, there's Vegas too). My first paragraph is a bit critical, but for the most part, the concerts are performed admirably. The actual Concert Hall is absolutely stunning. Sharp acoustics, gracious exterior, but disappointing drinks (no cappuccino machine!). read more

Finally stopped calling (Yelp review did the trick)! So I'm raising my review to 5 stars. Great Symphony!! read more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9CR2NFJ2-Q Awesomeness of BBVD 7/4/14 read more

I've been attending Pacific Symphony concerts since my 20's and just wish to say this is an impressive orchestra with Carl St. Clair as their guide and conductor. It's not easy for local orchestras to receive enough funding or recognition, but the Pacific Symphony has managed to grow successfully and be adored even outside of Orange County. In fact, their Carnegie Hall debut this year was sold out! read more

Always love our time at the Pacific Symphony. However this last time went to the 4th July Music by Chicago. Left a little less than half way through not one song by the group Chicago. Very disappointed. If you advertise the symphony as music by Chicago it should be all the music. Don't care for Marching Band music they were playing. As we were walking out pass the doors some associated with the PS informed us the second half is Music by Chicago. Already walked out the exit with no hand stamp. Couldn't go back in. read more

Absolutely amazing! My husband and I watched them preform Beethoven's Ninth at Segerstrom's center for the arts. Loved every moment of it. Tears rolled down my face because it was so beautiful to hear and see. I feel so grateful I was able to attend such a fantastic event. I hope it's not my last. read more

I like the Pacific Symphony. I have seen them maybe 20 times in a number of different venues. This is a talented and solid group of performers. We know the fan base for classical music has been stagnate or declining for years, but this symphony is accessible to more people because they are innovative and experimental in their approach. For example, on the 4th of July they performed patriotic music and then did a great job supporting a Neil Diamond cover band. I do not care for all the experiments and yes, (call me a snob) some of it seems to dumb down the classical genre, but I appreciate what they are trying to do. With that in mind, I will pass on the upcoming commercially appealing Video Games Live and Pixar in Concert performances scheduled as part of their summer concert series.. Clearly, the marketing department is charge and experimenting with concepts to attract new followers and broaden their appeal. Some of it works, but others not so much. The symphony, however is always top-notch,even if the conductor is too talkative sometimes for my taste. I am a fan of the symphony, but my advice is to avoid the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. Classical music is about beautiful music played to perfection and it speaks to the soul in a meaningful way. When played in a venue that clearly has different standards, it diminishes the overall entertainment experience. read more

Pacific Symphony is a wonderfully dedicated and talented orchestra with outstanding artistic direction. I've composed for films and TV for years, as well as conducted the recording orchestras, and I'm always eager to hear one of their performances, particularly under the direction of Carl St. Clair, a very capable and talented conductor who demonstrates firm control as well as creative interpretation of the scores. I give them 4 stars out of 5 because only Beethoven, Mozart and Copland get 5. read more

I love the Pacific Symphony! I recently heard Thus Spoke Zarathustra and it completely blew me away. This orchestra has become a real powerhouse of sound and emotion. Mahler 9 had me in tears by the end. Carl St. Clair does Mahler particularly well. He also does a wonderful job introducing the works and giving you some idea of what to listen for and why. This orchestra really is the jewel of the OC. I actually come from LA because the orchestra is really superb. Through the years, they have gotten better and better and the new hall finally does them justice. This is a GREAT DATE NIGHT!! BTW, Leatherby's at the hall has wonderful food and a very nice bar. read more

The Pacific Symphony has evolved into a great orchestra providing high-quality music venues. Last night's event at Segerstrom Concert Hall was truly spectacular featuring many of our favorite music in the 60's as well as the "Mystery Tour" providing songs from the Beatles. The guest conductor Mr Schram did a spectacular job in entertaining us. If not for Andre Rieu's in an outdoor European setting, this would have been my top orchestra choice. Caution: Be sure to get well hydrated before hand because the bottled water here sells for $5 and you would feel guilty if you don't leave a $1 tip. Even if you did not overhydrated, unlike the Performance Arts Center, washroom facilities are very adequate. read more

I absolutely loved the Symphony Pops Concert with Chris Botti. I've heard Botti before, but the Pacific Symphony made it even more amazing. And wow, what an amazing venue the Segerstrom Concert Hall is! read more

BEWARE of giving your telephone number to Pacific Symphony! I'm sick and tired of getting their never ending telemarketing calls.....over and over and over and over again and again and again. I will NEVER EVER attend another Pacific Symphony event. STOP CALLING ME!!!!!! Too bad there is not a ZERO rating because their unprofessional ""unsolicited"" telemarketing practices certainly would deserve it. I wish I had never given them a phone number. I have asked them to stop calling. It didn't work. read more

Attended the 12/13/2014 concert celebrating Carl St. Clair's 25th anniversary with Pacific Symphony. Beethoven's 7th was a treat, as well as the world premiere of a piece written to celebrate the occasion. But Alain LeFevre playing Rachmaninoff's Second Piano Concerto blew me away! I have heard many reknowned pianists perform the Rachmaninoff, but I never enjoyed it more than this performance. Hard to believe it's been 25 years, but the Pacific Symphony has turned into an orchestra worthy of world recognition. I attend whenever I can. read more

I agree with all the other reviewers. The symphony is great. The music selection is excellent and they do manage to attract world-class performers. The concert hall is beautiful and acoustic awesome. All in all, I really enjoyed my experience going to see them. But, whoever is in charge of marketing and/or ticket sales should be fired. I get these brochures from Pacific Symphony which tells me about the upcoming concerts. I always look at them and am tempted to attend some concerts, but due to my work schedule, it's very hard to find time to go to the symphony. That's fine, but I get absolutely harassed by telephone calls from them. I have repeatedly told them I will attend when I have time and am not interested in purchasing packages, but they continue to call. Over 10 times at month, when I'm working, sleeping or eating. Weekends too! I get telemarketer calls, but no one calls me as frequently as them. Such a classless act for such a classy establishment. Bottom line is, do not give them your number. Concert experience is 5 stars, but constant phone calls harassing me to buy packages? 0 star if I can. read more

First Off This Symphony is Fantastic, We decided to check them out at "Concerts In The Park Woodbridge Lake-Symphony In The Cities". What a treat to see them perform in an open park at dusk, beautiful performances of Johann Strauss, Tchaikovsky, John Philip Sousa, a beautiful tribute to all the vets a very touching moment as it was a beautiful night sky with stars above and as John Philip Sousa was being played, each vet had their name read with lights from peoples phones shining on them amazing tribute indeed. The Treated the audience with a nice assortment of "Tunes From The Broadway Play South Pacific" what a lovely treat. Blake Pouliot played his 17th century violin amazing performance what a wonderful way to spend a Sunday evening the crowd was very enthralled in all the performances & assortments of music. My Husband & I Had a wonderful time, they are a must see for sure, what a fantastic event. read more

How anyone could rank the Pacific Symphony Orchestra less than five stars, is beyond me. I am a New Yorker and had season tickets to the NY Philharmonic. The PSO reminds me of home and is the best part of living in Orange County, in my opinion. We are so lucky to have this world class orchestra in our backyard. If you have not gone, it is a must! PSO offers something for everyone... from classical, to pops, to youth programs. I have been to them all, and can tell you PSO and their very talented musicians do an incredible job. I leave feeling uplifted and grateful every time. The venues are gorgeous... either at Segerstrom Hall or Verizon Amphitheater. Bravo to PSO! read more

Had front row seats and couldn't see half of the orchestra. Absolutely pointless.