News Summary
Pacific Symphony will host three concerts of ‘Cathedrals of Sound’ from May 15 to 17, 2025, in memory of William J. Gillespie. Conducted by Carl St.Clair, the performances will feature sacred music, including pieces by Bach and Bruckner, with Paul Jacobs playing on the notable William J. Gillespie Concert Organ. The event promises a transcendent musical experience, blending classical works with spiritual elements, and includes a preview talk by Alan Chapman. Tickets range from $30 to $153 and are available now.
Costa Mesa, CA – Pacific Symphony is set to present three concerts of “Cathedrals of Sound” from May 15 to 17, 2025, in memory of the late William J. Gillespie, a notable patron who supported the orchestra for over three decades. These performances will take place at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, located within the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
The music director of Pacific Symphony, Carl St.Clair, will lead the creative vision for the performances. The Norbertine Fathers of St. Michael’s Abbey will also participate by blessing the performance space with sacred Gregorian Chant, adding a spiritual dimension to the event. Highlighting the evening will be the Grammy Award-winning organist Paul Jacobs, who will perform on the William J. Gillespie Concert Organ, a grand instrument consisting of 4,322 pipes, 75 stops, and weighing in at 30 tons. The organ, built by C.B. Fisk as Opus 130, was dedicated in 2008 but is played on rare occasions, making this event particularly significant.
St.Clair has dedicated the final performance of “Cathedrals of Sound” to Gillespie, acknowledging his immense support of the Pacific Symphony over the years. The concert program is set to feature a varied selection of classical works, beginning with Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Sinfonia in D Major, BWV 1045,” led by concertmaster Dennis Kim. Following this, the concert will include Guilmant’s “Symphony No. 1 for Organ and Orchestra,” before concluding with Anton Bruckner’s “Symphony No. 7,” which has been praised as one of the greatest symphonies by BBC Music Magazine.
To enrich the concert experience, there will be a preview talk before each performance at 7 p.m., hosted by KUSC midday host Alan Chapman, allowing attendees to gain insight into the evening’s musical selections. Ticket prices for the event range from $30 to $153, making it accessible for a variety of audiences. Tickets can be purchased by calling 714.755.5799 or by visiting the Pacific Symphony website.
This series of concerts is a part of the 2024-25 Hal and Jeanette Segerstrom Family Foundation Classical Season. The program aims to create a transcendent musical experience that celebrates unity and remembrance through the power of music. William J. Gillespie will be remembered not just for his contributions to Pacific Symphony but also as a key figure in the cultural landscape of the Orange County community.
Gillespie’s extraordinary generosity played a pivotal role in enhancing the orchestra’s capabilities and reaching broader audiences. His involvement has left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to appreciate and support the arts. The upcoming performances aim to honor his legacy while providing audiences with a memorable musical journey that transcends traditional concert experiences.
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Additional Resources
- Broadway World: Organist Paul Jacobs to Appear as Soloist
- Los Angeles Times: Palisades Symphony Finds Solace in Music
- Broadway World: Pacific Symphony Pops Presents Cirque Goes Broadway
- Wikipedia: Classical Music
- Orange County Register: Pacific Symphony’s 2024-25 Season
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Symphony
