The Pacific Symphony ushered in the Year of the Snake in style, celebrating the Lunar New Year in a spectacular evening that blended cultural traditions from both East and West. The event, held on February 1st, 2025, at South Coast Plaza, honored Music Director Carl St.Clair’s 35th anniversary with the orchestra, while raising over $350,000 to support Pacific Symphony’s music education and community engagement programs.
A Night of Cultural Celebration
The Lunar New Year Gala, co-hosted by Pacific Symphony Board Members and Co-Chairs Charlie and Ling Zhang, Carol Choi, and Mei-Yen Chang, along with exclusive corporate partner Tiffany & Co., and official Box Circle Partner Hoag Hospital Foundation, was a night to remember. The event welcomed over 230 patrons, donors, and community leaders who gathered to celebrate the New Year and support the orchestra’s mission.
Special guests included Consul General Mr. Guo Shaochun of the People’s Republic of China, Deputy General Consul Kwon of South Korea, California State Congresswoman Young Kim, Senator Dave Min, and Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, who all joined the celebration in support of Pacific Symphony’s initiatives.
A Tapestry of Music and Performance
The evening’s festivities were rich with performances, with more than 200 community performers joining Pacific Symphony to create an unforgettable cultural experience. Led by Maestro Carl St.Clair, the orchestra performed a captivating concert that featured talented guest artists, including Bei Bei Monter, one of the world’s premier guzheng musicians, Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang, and erhu player Yang Liu. The Yaya Dance Academy, Violin Studio of Wendy Castille, Pacific Chorale, and the American Feel Young Chorus also graced the stage, adding layers of musical diversity to the evening.
As Maestro St.Clair shared, “This event holds a special place in my heart because it showcases the unifying power of music, bringing communities together through a rich tapestry of melodies that everyone can enjoy.”
A Culinary Journey to Remember
Guests were treated to a sumptuous dining experience as part of the gala, which featured a curated Asian-inspired menu presented by TERRACE by Mix Mix. The meal took diners on a journey of land, sea, and earth, with dishes such as Pork Belly Lettuce Wraps, Glazed Salmon, and a delectable white chocolate almond pudding for dessert. Guests were also given a crystal snake sculpture by Liuli, Tiffany & Co. red envelopes for good luck, and a traditional Lunar New Year cake by Yu Cake®.
Honoring the Year of the Snake
The symbolism of the Year of the Snake was evident throughout the evening’s decor. The venue was adorned with stunning centerpieces incorporating the Snake and Wood elements, accented with gold and vibrant red roses. The night was filled with the lively sounds of OC Music and Dance, creating an immersive atmosphere that reflected the vibrancy of the Lunar New Year.
The gala’s significance wasn’t just in its festivities, but also in the message it conveyed—the Year of the Snake symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and transformation, and the evening embodied these qualities through music, community, and culture.
A Vision of Unity and Support
John Forsyte, President & CEO of Pacific Symphony, praised the event, saying, “Lunar New Year is a vision of our Board Member Charlie Zhang and brought to life by our accomplished Music Director Carl St.Clair. Together, they have transformed this annual tradition into one of the community’s most loved events.”
This celebration not only honored the cultural traditions of the Lunar New Year but also reinforced Pacific Symphony’s commitment to using music as a bridge between cultures and communities.
As Charlie Zhang, one of the event’s co-chairs, noted, “My wife Ling and I are honored to continue the tradition of hosting an inspirational Lunar New Year celebration alongside Pacific Symphony to ensure future generations will be inspired by the universal language of music.”
A Thank You to the Supporters
Pacific Symphony extends its deep gratitude to its generous sponsors, including Tiffany & Co., Hoag Hospital Foundation, and all the individuals whose support made the event possible. The funds raised will directly benefit the orchestra’s community and educational programs, ensuring that the power of music continues to inspire future generations.
About Pacific Symphony
Founded in 1978 and under the leadership of Music Director Carl St.Clair since 1990, Pacific Symphony has become one of the most prominent orchestras in the U.S. and the largest orchestra to be formed in the last 50 years. With over 100 concerts each year, the orchestra not only showcases exceptional musical talent but also emphasizes education and community engagement. Recently, the Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall and toured China, further solidifying its reputation on the international stage.
For more information about Pacific Symphony or to purchase tickets, visit pacificsymphony.org.
