Even poets and philosophers cannot describe the indescribable. Yet in the beauty of their words, we recognize what is obvious to all but the most hardened souls: that we love music because it has the power to move us, to take us on profound and exhilarating emotional adventures, to refresh our spirit.

Oddly, some would have it that new music must express only a narrow band of experience—the darkness, the depression, the fear, the confusion that we so much associate with modern life. But why should we numb ourselves to the vast spectrum of human experience? Why not express sorrow and joy, anger and ecstasy, fear and, dare I say, hope?

As a California composer, I say that we must not numb ourselves. That we make music differently in Los Angeles than elsewhere is a healthy sign of our unique commitment to beauty, to excellence, and to the transformative powers of lyricism. We need bow to no one, and we are proud of our freedom and courage to explore far beyond the narrow limits set by our predecessors.

The magic of music is that it transports us to unseen places that cannot be described in words. Still, these words of Andres Segovia—“…the poetry of the music should resound in your heart”—resonate with the very heart of Pacific Serenades, where music both old and new is beautiful and, as Bach wrote, is “for the refreshment of the spirit.”

Winner of the prestigious 2003 Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming and the 2001 CMA/WQXR Records Award, Pacific Serenades invites you to join in its 19th season. With its hallmark commitments to performances of exceptional quality, to great music that touches your soul, and to personal warmth, you will be part of a musical experience like no other. Our artists, including principals of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the LA Philharmonic, and the Long Beach Symphony, are among the finest anywhere. And you will be hard pressed to find a friendlier bunch of musicians and fellow music lovers.