Heartwarming performance serves as a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and unwavering spirit of cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones
SummerFest 2025 is presented by City of Hope Orange County with the venue underwritten by the City of Irvine
IRVINE, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2025) – Pacific Symphony and City of Hope Orange County invite community members to immerse themselves in a night of joyful music and heartfelt inspiration with “Tchaikovsky Spectacular: Concert of Hope,” taking place September 6 at the Great Park Live amphitheater in Irvine. In a touching conclusion to their five-concert SummerFest 2025 series, the Symphony and City of Hope dedicate the evening to the county’s patients, survivors and loved ones who have been affected by and triumphed through the challenges cancer brings.
Illustrious conductor Francesco Lecce-Chong leads the Symphony in some of Tchaikovsky’s most iconic and moving masterpieces. At the center of the program, internationally renowned pianist Natasha Paremski perfoms his Piano Concerto No. 1, a piece brimming with creative passion. The show opens with a beautiful soaring waltz from “Sleeping Beauty” and also features the drama of “Francesca da Rimini,” Tchaikovsky’s vivid tone poem of love and fate. Finally, the evening concludes with the explosive “1812 Overture,” a thrilling celebration punctuated by cannons and a breathtaking fireworks display across the night sky.
“Tchaikovsky Spectacular: Concert of Hope” is more than an orchestral performance, it’s a tribute to the courage and resilience of those experiencing cancer. Drawing on the timelessness of Tchaikovsky’s music, the Symphony invites the community to commemorate a human spirit that is just as enduring.
“Pacific Symphony is proud to partner with City of Hope in honoring the remarkable strength of our community and those affected by cancer,” said John Forsyte, president and CEO of Pacific Symphony. “Through the universal language of music, we aim to honor patients and their loved ones with a beautiful evening of music that uplifts and inspires.”
“We are honored to present another powerful Concert of Hope experience at Great Park Live,” said Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County. “At City of Hope, we are solely focused on preventing, treating and curing cancer. We understand how life changes when you hear those words, ‘You have cancer’ and we want to honor everyone impacted by this disease. We are grateful for the Pacific Symphony as they uplift our souls and inspire our community. This year’s performance is particularly meaningful as we prepare to open Orange County’s only cancer specialty hospital on our academic cancer campus in Irvine.”
Set in the scenic open air venue, the evening promises a night of heartwarming emotion under the stars—a radiant finale to SummerFest 2025.
SummerFest 2025 is presented by City of Hope Orange County. “Tchaikovsky Spectacular: Concert of Hope” takes place on September 6 at 8 p.m. with tickets ranging from $44-$160 For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799, or visit www.PacificSymphony.org.
