MEDIA CONTACT
For Pacific Symphony:
Janelle Kruly
714.858.0945
janellek@reveilleinc.com

Alireza Ardekani
Executive Director
Farhang Foundation
310.666.1546
press@farhang.org

Featuring the Pournazeri Trio and renowned Iranian soloists with the orchestra, led by Music Director Carl St.Clair on March 29
 
Pacific Symphony presents Nowruz: The Concert—Return of the Masters, a musical celebration of the arrival of spring and the rebirth of nature. A symbol of renewal and unity in Iranian culture, Nowruz is a washing away of the past and a blessing upon all that is to come. This vibrant performance blends contemporary Iranian symphonic works led by Music Director Carl St.Clair with traditional Iranian music, sparking joy through cultural connection, tradition, and celebration of heritage. Presented in collaboration with Farhang Foundation, this celebration of the Iranian New Year takes place on Saturday, March 29 at 8 p.m. at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa. The concert includes pre-concert festivities of a grand Haft Sîn display and traditional Iranian musicians and dancers performing in the lobby at 7 p.m.

The concert features the magnificent Pournazeri Trio, comprised of Iranian musical phenomena and family members Kaykhorso, Tahmoures, and Sohrab Pournazeri. Each talent brings recognition and excellence to the stage as they enliven Nowruz in collaboration with Pacific Symphony’s exceptional orchestra. Founder of Shams Ensemble, Kaykhorso is regarded for highlighting historical Iranian roots through the sounds of the tanbour lute in cohesion with other complimentary instruments. Son of Kaykhorso, Tahmoures embodies Iranian music through his lifelong dedication and journey of sharing its tradition, style, and influence. Completing the family trio, Sohrab exudes similar cultural honor to his brother within his instrumental talent and contributions exemplifying the wisdom and ancient works of Iranian compositions in artistry.

“Sold-out Nowruz concerts with Pacific Symphony have been some of the most emotionally rewarding concerts I have attended. The audiences are so passionate about the concerts, artists and the beautiful poetic expression of the music we hear. We are honored to continue our collaboration with Farhang Foundation in presenting this extraordinary celebration,” said John Forsyte, Pacific Symphony President and CEO. “This event would not be possible without the vision, philanthropy and leadership of our board member Anoosheh Oskouian, the supporters of Pacific Symphony’s Cyrus Society, and Music Director Carl St.Clair, who have been instrumental in driving this project forward. Music has the power to unite communities, and this concert is a profound way to honor a 3,000-year-old tradition while embracing the beauty of cultural exchange. We are thrilled to once again share the stage with these exceptional artists and to bring audiences together in a celebration of renewal, heritage, and the universal language of music.”

“Farhang Foundation is thrilled to partner once again with Pacific Symphony for this extraordinary annual celebration of Nowruz,” said Alireza Ardekani, Executive Director of Farhang Foundation. “Through music, we honor the timeless traditions of the Iranian New Year while sharing its universal message of renewal, unity, and joy with the wider community. This concert is a testament to the beauty of cultural exchange and the power of music to transcend borders, and we applaud Pacific Symphony for their continued commitment in presenting and celebrating the rich musical traditions of Iran.”

"Nowruz is more than a celebration; it is a testament to the endurance of culture, the power of tradition, and the importance of bringing people together through art. Seeing the Farhang Foundation and Pacific Symphony continue this collaboration is a reflection of the commitment and effort that has gone into strengthening these ties over the years,” adds Anoosheh Oskouian, member of Farhang Foundation Board of Trustees and Pacific Symphony Board of Directors. “This event is not just about music—it is about ensuring that Iranian heritage remains seen, heard, and appreciated on a grand stage, and I’m grateful that I can play a part in preserving and elevating this tradition for generations to come."

Joining the celebration are guest vocalists Sahar Boroujerdi and Donya Kamali, as well as violinist Tina Jamegarmi. Each showcases their musical accomplishment and acclaim as Iranian musicians as they celebrate one of the most ancient and important festivals of Iranian heritage.

The Nowruz concert celebration is generously sponsored by the Farhang Foundation, the Cyrus Society and Anoosheh and Alan Oskouian. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (714) 755-5799 or visit pacificsymphony.org.

About Farhang Foundation
Farhang Foundation is a member-supported nonpolitical, nonreligious, and not-for-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and promoting the richness of Iranian art and culture for the betterment of society as a whole. With a singular mission at its core, the Foundation strives to preserve, nurture, and share the diverse heritage of Iran with the global community. Through steadfast commitment, the Foundation supports a wide array of academic, artistic, and cultural programs and initiatives, fostering collaborative partnerships with esteemed universities, renowned museums, and the vibrant world of performing arts. These partnerships enable the Foundation to cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted aspects of Iranian culture and promote cross-cultural dialogue. For more information, visit Farhang.org.

About Pacific Symphony
Pacific Symphony, under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Carl St.Clair since 1990, has been the resident orchestra of Orange County’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for over 15 years. Founded in 1978, the Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years and is not only a fixture of musical life in Southern California but is also recognized as an outstanding ensemble making strides on both the national and international scenes. The orchestra presents more than 100 concerts and events each year and a rich array of education and community engagement programs, reaching more than 300,000 residents of all ages.

Pacific Symphony made its debut at Carnegie Hall in 2018, where it was invited to perform as part of a yearlong celebration of composer Philip Glass' 80th birthday. The Symphony made its first-ever tour to China the same year, with performances in five cities, including Shanghai and Beijing. The Symphony has been recognized with multiple ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming and included among the country’s five most innovative orchestras by the League of American Orchestras.

Pacific Symphony’s discography comprises 15 recordings, mostly of 20th- and 21st-century music by such American composers as William Bolcom, John Corigliano and Richard Danielpour. In 2012 for Naxos, St.Clair and the orchestra recorded Philip Glass’s The Passion of Ramakrishna, a Pacific Symphony commission that appeared on the Carnegie Hall program. The Symphony has also recorded for Harmonia Mundi, Koch International Classics, Reference Recordings, and Sony Classical, among other labels. The Symphony has been recognized with multiple ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming and included among the country’s five most innovative orchestras by the League of American Orchestras. The Symphony’s education and community engagement activities have also been recognized by the League, as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.


###