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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Obituary/death notice. Victor Vener, Cal Phil and Pasadena Pops founder, dies at 78. Vener brought outdoor concerts to the Santa Anita Park Race Track, The Arboretum, Descanso Gardens, Rose Bowl, and others.
Ringing in the Rose Queen. Camille Kennedy of La Salle High School is crowned 2020 Rose Queen of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. One woman on the Royal Court of princesses is Rukan Saif of Arcadia High School. The others are Mia Thorsen of Marshall Fundamental School, Emilie Risha of Flintridge Sacred Heart, Reese Saporito of Marshall Fundamental School, Michael Wilkins of Marantha High School and Cole Fox of South Pasadena High School. Laura Farber is the Tournament of Roses President.
Cal Phil's 20 years of outdoor concerts ends. The familiar giant concert dome of the California Philharmonic (CalPhil) will not adorn the infield at Santa Anita Park this summer. The concert series has been canceled by its board of directors to concentrate on the remaining scheduled concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall this summer. The series started at Los Angeles County Arboretum in 1996 when CalPhil maestro Victor Vener started a Hollywood Bowl-type experience for Arcadia.
Senator Dianne Feinstein joins call to end racing meet at Santa Anita Park. She demands suspension after two more horses die, racing total to 29 deaths.
California Philharmonic (Cal Phil) has announced its 2012 summer concert season is moving to Santa Anita Park. Cal Phil Music Director Victor Vener said a multi-year contract would be signed with the track, making the deal a partnership. CalPhil had been considered a Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden tenant for the past 15 years. The 2012 season will open June 30.
Arcadian Cheryl Mead is volunteer manager for the Pasadena Youth Symphony Orchestra, and Arcadian Patrick Everett is a member of the Board of Directors.
Pasadena Showcase House of Design features the 1937 Federal country-style Locke House in Arcadia. The annual fundraiser is going virtual due to the pandemic lockdown. The house was originally built by Hollywood society architect Gerard Colcord in 1937. For this fundraiser, there were 17 designers who contributed to the renovation. This nonprofit supports music and arts programs in Southern California.
Broadway stars Dale Kristien and Bill Hutton gave a benefit concert at the Arcadia Community Center to benefit the Arcadia High School Athletic Booster Club.
Arcadia High School graduate Michael Ng is one of the few Marine recruits of Chinese descent in the San Gabriel Valley. With photo. See also Pasadena Star News, August 31, 1995, p. Hometown H2.