The Newport Beach City Arts Commission is pleased to announce  that Newport Beach will host the kick off concert in Pacific Symphony’s popular Symphony in the Cities summer series.  Pacific Symphony, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair, will perform on Sunday, July 16 at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, as part of the “Symphony in the Cities” series.

The evening will begin with the Symphony’s “Musical Playground” starting at 5:30 p.m. which features many interactive and hands-on activities for children, including instrument making, a drum circle, an instrument petting zoo, and an opportunity to meet the musicians. Kids will have the chance to learn how to conduct with Maestro Carl St.Clair and later help lead the orchestra in Sousa’s “Hands Across the Sea” during the concert. The concert, featuring Pacific Symphony playing popular classics, pop music and and patriotic tunes, will begin at 7:00 p.m. and end promptly at 8:30 p.m. Classical KUSC’s radio host Rich Capparela will serve as the emcee, and the audience is invited to participate in a sing-along of patriotic favorites.

Admission to the concert is free and free parking is available in the Civic Center parking structure.  Concert goers are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner or purchase food and refreshments from food trucks that will be on site.  Attendees should also bring low-slung beach chairs and blankets for the outdoor event. No alcohol.

For more information about concert sponsorship or cultural arts programs in the City of Newport Beach please go to the City’s Cultural Arts webpage at www.newportbeachca.gov/CulturalArts