Garden Grove, CA – Christ Cathedral proudly announces Pacific Symphony and Pacific Chorale presenting Ludwig von Beethoven’s famed 9th Symphony, to be performed in the transformed Christ Cathedral at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 1. “Join Conductor Carl St Clair, William J. Gillespie Music Director Chair, the Pacific Symphony and the Pacific Chorale in their first performance in the newly renovated Christ Cathedral,” says Dr. John Romeri, director of Christ Cathedral Music Ministries and organist. “This spectacular performance will include soloists Mary Wilson, soprano; Milena Kitec, mezzo-soprano; Scott Ramsay, tenor, and Kevin Deas, bass-baritone. “Enjoy this performance in the sonic splendor of the amazing new acoustics of this iconic building,” Dr. Romeri continues. “It’s a performance not to be missed! Maestro will lead the symphony on the stage; the Pacific Chorale sing from the choir area.” Tickets from $20 to $100 are available by visiting christcathedralmusic.org/tickets or by calling 714-971-2141, ext. 5529. “When we seek music to celebrate humanity’s noblest ideals, one composer comes to mind before any other: Beethoven,” writes cultural reporter Michael Clive, program annotator for the Pacific Symphony. “It was Beethoven who turned the symphony toward monumentality as an expression of spiritual truth and of philosophical values—most of all as an affirmation of human freedom and brotherhood,” Clive continues. “His Promethean struggles to embody these ideas reach their culmination in his Ninth Symphony, an ecstatic ode to humanity’s highest ideals. “If the soaring architecture of a cathedral can be said to reach for the heavens, then Beethoven’s Ninth, too, elevates our spirit as we listen,” he notes. About Carl St. Clair During his tenure, St. Clair has become widely recognized for his musically distinguished performances, his commitment to building outstanding educational programs and his innovative approaches to programming. In April 2018, St. Clair led Pacific Symphony in its Carnegie Hall debut, as the finale to the Hall’s yearlong celebration of pre-eminent composer Philip Glass’ 80th birthday. About Pacific Symphony Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St. Clair for the last 30 years, has been the resident orchestra of the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for over a decade. Currently in its 41st season, the symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years and is recognized as an outstanding ensemble making strides on both the national and international scene, as well as in its own community of Orange County. About Robert Istad Robert Istad is Artistic Director of Pacific Chorale and Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Fullerton. Mr. Istad regularly conducts and collaborates with Pacific Chorale, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra, Sony Classical Records, Yarlung Records, Berkshire Choral International, and Long Beach Symphony Orchestra. He is also Dean of Chorus America’s national Academy for Conductors. About Pacific Chorale Founded in 1968 by Dr. Maurice Allard, Pacific Chorale is internationally recognized for exceptional artistic expression, stimulating American-focused programming, and influential education programs. Under the artistic direction of Robert Istad, the Chorale presents a substantial performance season of its own at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Orange County, California, and is sought regularly to perform with the nation’s leading symphonies. Pacific Chorale is comprised of 140 professional and volunteer singers. For more information, please visit christcathedralmusic.org call Dr. John Romeri in the Christ Cathedral Music Ministries office at 714.971-2141, ext. 5531.