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Soka Performing Arts Center has curated an extraordinary lineup of legendary artists, groundbreaking ensembles, and innovative performances for the 2024-2025 season, promising a vibrant and captivating array of musical experiences.
Opening the season with unparalleled grace and soul is the iconic Dionne Warwick. It’s hard to imagine a better way to kick off the 2024-25 season than hosting a genuine cultural legend, whose life is a rich panorama of styles, interests, and causes. With six GRAMMY® Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award, Warwick’s illustrious career spans over six decades. Known for timeless hits such as “Walk on By” and “I Say a Little Prayer,” Warwick’s performance is set to be a mesmerizing kickoff to the season.
The journey continues with a heartfelt tribute in “OUR HOUSE: The Music of CSNY Performed by FAMILY & FRIENDS” celebrating the legacy of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young with an extraordinary ensemble of family and friends, including David Crosby’s son James Raymond. This homage will bring their iconic songs to life, evoking nostalgia and admiration for their timeless music.
Soka Performing Arts Center continues to be the exclusive presenter of the West Coast’s only classical solo piano series, Great Pianists, which continues to delight audiences with world-class solo piano performances. Multi-GRAMMY® Award winning pianist Emanuel Ax, returning for his 5th performance as part of the Great Pianists series, will present a program that highlights his extraordinary technical skill and emotional depth. Additional lineup of stellar solo piano performances include Garrick Ohlsson, renowned for his masterful interpretations of Chopin, Angela Hewitt, celebrated for her exquisite performances of Bach, the return of Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes, acclaimed for his delicate and insightful interpretations, and pianist Nikolai Lugansky, known for his powerful and nuanced performances. Rising star Shunta Morimoto also returns to our stage with his exceptional talent and fresh interpretations.
The season also features a unique collaboration of virtuosos Edgar Meyer, Tessa Lark, and Joshua Roman. Blending classical, bluegrass, and contemporary styles, their performance will offer an unforgettable experience. Folk and acoustic music fans will rejoice as GRAMMY®-winning singer-songwriters Shawn Colvin and KT Tunstall join forces for an intimate evening of storytelling and song.
On the jazz front, Isaiah Collier & the Chosen Few promise to push the boundaries of the genre with their dynamic and innovative performances, while the iconic jazz fusion band Yellowjackets, alongside renowned vocalist Kurt Elling, promise a night of electrifying music together with special guest and original band member Peter Erskine. Jazz trumpeter Terence Blanchard and the E-Collective join forces with Turtle Island Quartet promises to be a genre-defying experience, blending jazz, classical, and contemporary influences.
Gospel legends Blind Boys of Alabama, paired with blues powerhouse Shemekia Copeland, will offer an inspiring evening of soul-stirring performances and world percussion traditions will be celebrated in a mesmerizing showcase led by the legendary Zakir Hussain and the Masters of Percussion.
In partnership with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, will feature mandolinist Avi Avital and soprano Esteli Gomez, presenting all of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, adding historical depth to the season. Also in partnership with Philharmonic Society of Orange County, violin prodigy Randall Goosby, known for his sensitivity and determination to make music more inclusive and accessible, will make his debut at Soka Performing Arts Center, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to the season. Pacific Symphony, Soka’s resident chamber orchestra, will deliver a series of concerts that blend classical masterworks with contemporary compositions. In partnership with Pacific Symphony, brother and sister Gil and Orli Shaham will captivate audiences with a diverse program, highlighting their virtuosity and the unique synergy of their family bond. Opera lovers will be thrilled with Parnassus Opera’s Madama Butterfly bringing Puccini to life with talented soloists and the Parnassus Virtuosi Orchestra.
Showcasing the next generation of musical talent, the Orange County Youth Symphony brings youthful energy and virtuosity to the stage and as the holiday season approaches, patron favorite Celtic Christmas with “Titanic” piper Eric Rigler will provide a festive celebration with both traditional Celtic music and non-, perfect for creating cherished holiday memories.
Soka Performing Arts Center’s 2024-2025 Season will be an unforgettable season filled with musical brilliance and artistic excellence. General public tickets for the 2024-2025 season go on sale Monday, July 15, at 12PM. Visit our Box Office or CALENDAR OF EVENTS ONLINE for more information and to purchase tickets.
Soka Performing Arts Center is located at 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. Summer Box Office walk-up hours are 12-4PM Monday-Friday and one hour prior to show times on show days.
