They came to savor the vibrant tunes of a musical ensemble respected worldwide. Armed with picnic baskets and blankets, they joined friends for the lovely Hollywood Bowl-style affair. They brought children of all ages to enjoy the Pacific Symphony’s Musical Playground.
On Saturday, people from Mission Viejo and beyond flocked to the Village Green at Oso Viejo Community Park for the opportunity to enjoy the City’s summer ritual and free Target Symphony in the Cities concert.
It was a classy engagement that catered to people of all ages. Long-time resident Marvis Kushnick was certainly impressed with the event’s “Pomp and Pizzaz.”
“What a grand way to introduce live orchestra music to young people,” she said.
A sea of chairs covered the manicured park, as concert-goers embraced a light afternoon breeze, vivid sunset and picturesque evening. Many strolled around the pristine park enjoying vendors and several hands-on-activities.
The Pacific Symphony Orchestra, led by music director Carl St. Clair, delved into a cornucopia of tunes from “Camelot” and the “King and I” with Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Procession of the Nobles,” Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks,” Verdi’s “Triumphal March” from “Aida” and more.
And while the fun-filled event was meant to delight and engage the masses, it also gave visitors the opportunity to support a good cause.
Resident Tina Neukirch appreciated the City’s promotion of the South County Outreach food drive.
“This is a wonderful way for us to help others and to give back to our community,” she said.
For more information about City events, including the Sept. 12 Readers’ Festival, call 949-470-3061 or visit the City’s Web site at www.cityofmissionviejo.org.
The Cody family wishes to express our gratitude to the City of Mission Viejo and specifically to Keith Rattay and to Dennis Wilberg for another extraordinary event. By far this is our favorite event and we were so impressed with the music, the beautiful and artistic arrangement of plants, flags and other items creating a garden like atmosphere. This year we brought 5 couples who had never attended the event and they were thrilled and could not say enough great things about this event. As our third time to participate, Bob and I were amazed at how many people attended this year. Comments all around us were so positive. What an enchanted evening. Thank you Keith, Dennis and council for a job well done and a true gift to the community. Sharon and Bob Cody