Pasadena Symphony Association and its Pasadena Pops Orchestra, will take over the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden's 2012 summer concerts, which had featured the California Philharmonic Orchestra and its music director Victor Vener for 14 years.
Pasadena Symphony announces Brett Mitchell as new music director, beginning a 5-year tenure on April 1. The Pasadena Symphony makes up half of the Pasadena Symphony and Pops Organization, and officials said Michael Feinstein will continue as conductor of the Pasadena Pops, which presents an annual summer concert series at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.
California Philharmonic Orchestra officials held a press conference and said they do not know why the county decided to end a 15-year run of concerts at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden with them. The press conference was held at Cal Phil's new office in Arcadia. In attendance were Cal Phil founder and Music Director Victor Vener, his son Andre Vener (the orchestra's CEO), Robert W. Miller (member of the Cal Phil board), Michael Arnold (principal clarinetist), Barbara Hicks (volunteer) and 20 protesters who had picketed at the Arboretum, in reaction to the ouster of the orchestra.
Susan Gulkis, an eighth grade honor student at Foothill Junior High School in Arcadia is an accomplished violinist. Currently concertmistress of the Pasadena Youth Symphony and the Foothills Junior High orchestra, she will be featured soloist in a "Symphony for Youth" concert sponsored by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Michael Feinstein was appointed principal conductor of Pasadena Pops Orchestra, following the sudden death of conductor Marvin Hamlisch. The summer concert series continues at Los Angeles County Arboretum.
Songwriter and composer Marvin Hamlisch dies at age 68. He had been the Principal conductor of Pasadena Pops Orchestra. His last concert was July 21 at the Los Angeles County Arboretum.
Battle of the Bands. Two major orchestras change venues for summer programs. CalPhil will be performing at Santa Anita Park's infield, while Pasadena Pops Orchestra will be performing at the Los Angeles County Arboretum.
Pasadena Pops Orchestra debuts its first summer season at the Los Angeles County Arboretum today with Marvin Hamlisch, composer and conductor. The CalPhil lost out to the Pasadena Pops in a bid to stay at the Arboretum and CalPhil signed up with neighboring Santa Anita Park instead.
Stephanie Liu of La Canada High School was winner of Representative David Dreier's Youth Volunteer Award Program. A ceremony was held at the Arcadia Community Center.
Twenty-three high school students from throughout the San Gabriel Valley were honored for their volunteer community service. The 2003 Youth Volunteer Award program was held at the Arcadia Community Center. Those recognized from Arcadia are Kelly Cole, Hannah Han, Jennifer Hsieh, and Heather Sayers.
Pasadena Pops concert at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Michael Feinstein conducts the orchestra in music made famous by Judy Garland, Doris Day, Peggy Lee and Liza Minelli on August 13 at 7:30. Guest performers include Melissa Manchester, Nicole Henry and Maddie Baillio.
Arcadia resident Ralph Bicker, a retiree for 25 years, keeps busy with volunteer work. He volunteers as the secretary/treasurer of the Pasadena Federal Credit Union's board of directors. He has been named Volunteer of the Year by the National Association of Federal Credit Unions.
Fifty-seven high school students throughout the San Gabriel Valley participated in Congressman David Dreier's annual Youth Volunteer Award program. Winners will be presented and honored today.
Arcadia Tournament of Roses Queen Carol Louden and her royal court Pauline Coke, Barbara Nordine, Cheryl Davis, Cheryl Hartzler (photo). They will represent Arcadia on the Arcadia float at the January 1968 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
A confrontation between the Board of Directors of the Juvenile Diversion Program and Ron Weber, Executive Director of the Regional Office of Criminal Justice Planning, has resulted in a renegotiation of the start for this project. Meant to provide counseling services to youths of seven area cities, it was delayed in opening, and the Board of Directors wants and extension on their funds and contract to prove themselves.
Arcadia will no longer be represented on the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees by one member. A new alignment of districts splits Arcadia into two trustee areas.
Pasadena Pops presents in concert "Michael Feinstein Sings Broadway" at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, July 29. Future concerts include "The Music of Queen" on August 26 and "Hollywood Blockbusters" on September 9.