Pacific Symphony Celebrates 10th Annual Lunar New Year Gala and Concert

The Year of the Fire Horse was honored through music, dance, and community at the event that raised over $300,000 for the orchestra's programs.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:48am

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Pacific Symphony hosted its 10th Annual Lunar New Year Gala and Concert on February 21, 2026, celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse. The event included a formal cultural dinner at South Coast Plaza's Jewel Court and a concert at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, featuring performances by Pacific Symphony, guest soloists, and community groups. The celebration raised over $300,000 for the symphony's artistic endeavors, music education, and community engagement programs.

Why it matters

Pacific Symphony's annual Lunar New Year celebration is an important event that brings together the community to honor Asian culture and heritage through music. The concert and gala showcase the symphony's commitment to diversity and inclusion, while also serving as a major fundraiser to support the orchestra's vital programs.

The details

The Lunar New Year gala dinner welcomed over 210 guests and featured custom decor, a bold and flavorful menu, and performances by Pacific Symphony Concertmaster Dennis Kim, Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra, and The Three Tenors. Following the dinner, guests attended the Lunar New Year concert, which featured a program spanning centuries and continents, including works by Huanzhi Li, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, and more. The concert also highlighted the talents of soloists, dancers, and young musicians from the local community.

  • The 10th Annual Lunar New Year Gala and Concert took place on February 21, 2026.
  • The concert event featured performances celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse.

The players

Pacific Symphony

A professional symphony orchestra based in Orange County, California, known for its innovative programming and community engagement.

Carl St.Clair

Music Director Laureate of Pacific Symphony, who led the Lunar New Year concert and celebration.

Charlie Zhang

Co-Chair of the Lunar New Year gala and concert, and a Life Director of Pacific Symphony.

Hoag Hospital

The Presenting Sponsor of the Lunar New Year celebration.

South Coast Plaza

The Sponsor of the Lunar New Year celebration, which took place at their Jewel Court.

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What they’re saying

“The annual Lunar New Year concert and celebration is extremely meaningful to me because it is a direct representation of the unifying power of music across cultures and communities.”

— Carl St.Clair, Music Director Laureate, Pacific Symphony

“We are honored to bring the rich tapestry of tradition to life through this inspirational Lunar Year celebration alongside Pacific Symphony to honor the universal language of music.”

— Charlie Zhang, Co-Chair, Lunar New Year Gala and Concert

What’s next

Pacific Symphony will continue its annual Lunar New Year celebration, with the 11th annual event scheduled for February 2027.

The takeaway

Pacific Symphony's Lunar New Year celebration showcases the orchestra's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, bringing together people of all backgrounds to experience the unifying power of music and celebrate Asian culture and heritage.