News Summary
Pacific Symphony will honor the late William J. Gillespie with ‘Cathedrals of Sound’ on May 15-17 at Segerstrom Concert Hall. Featuring a unique mix of orchestral and spiritual music, the concert celebrates Gillespie’s legacy in Orange County’s cultural scene and showcases the grand William J. Gillespie Concert Organ with renowned organist Paul Jacobs. The event also includes Gregorian Chant by the Norbertine Fathers to enhance the sacred environment, creating a memorable night for attendees. Tickets available from $30.
Costa Mesa, CA – Pacific Symphony will present “Cathedrals of Sound,” a unique musical event honoring the memory of the late William J. Gillespie. The performances are scheduled for May 15, 16, and 17 at 8 p.m. in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. This special concert is a culmination of collaborative efforts with the Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey, embedding a spiritual and transcendent theme into the musical presentation.
The concert, curated by conductor St.Clair, serves as a tribute to Gillespie, whose remarkable support for the Pacific Symphony spanned over three decades. Gillespie was a key figure in the Symphony’s evolution, championing the role of orchestral music in enriching the cultural fabric of Orange County. His legacy includes the establishment of the William J. Gillespie Concert Organ, dedicated in 2008 to benefit the local arts scene.
The concert organ, originally crafted by C.B. Fisk as Opus 130, is no small feat. It boasts a grand design with 4,322 pipes, weighing in at 30 tons, and measuring an impressive 40 feet in width, 48 feet in height, and 12 feet in depth. The renowned Grammy Award-winning organist Paul Jacobs is set to perform on this magnificent instrument during the event.
Among the featured musical works in the program are Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sinfonia in D Major, MvWV 1045, conducted by concertmaster Dennis Kim, along with Guilmant’s Symphony No. 1 for Organ and Orchestra, and the acclaimed Symphony No. 7 by Anton Bruckner. Bruckner’s piece is particularly noted for being selected as one of the greatest symphonies of all time by BBC Music Magazine, making its inclusion a highlight of the evening.
As part of the concert’s sacred ambiance, the Norbertine Fathers will start the performance by blessing the space with sacred Gregorian Chant, enhancing the spiritual resonance of the event. This creative merging of various musical elements aims not only to entertain but also to foster moments of remembrance and unity among guests.
Coinciding with this event, a preview talk hosted by KUSC midday host Alan Chapman will take place before each concert at 7 p.m., offering an insightful context to the evening’s performances.
The final performance of “Cathedrals of Sound” will also celebrate St.Clair’s remarkable 35-year tenure with the Pacific Symphony, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history. This event represents a poignant opportunity for attendees to engage with both the music and the legacy of William J. Gillespie.
Tickets for the event can be purchased from $30 to $153, easily obtainable by calling (714) 755-5799 or visiting the official Pacific Symphony website. This concert is part of the 2024-25 Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Season and is sponsored by the Board of Counselors, reinforcing the commitment to cultural excellence in Orange County.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Musical Weekend at Segerstrom Center Features Hamilton and Beethoven
Additional Resources
- Page Six: The Phantom of the Opera is Returning to NYC
- Wikipedia: Broadway
- New York Times: Old Friends Review
- Google Search: Broadway shows
- NY Post: NYC Slayer’s Alleged Victim
- Google Scholar: Broadway
- New York Times: Meghan Markle Hires Motorcade
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Musical Theater
- New York Times: Off-Broadway Shows
- Google News: Off-Broadway
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
