Renowned conductor Carl St. Clair met with the audience at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, Orange County on October 17th. For 35 years, he has helped the Pacific Symphony become one of the most prominent classical orchestras in the United States.
St. Clair first conducted the orchestra in 1990 to great success and was later appointed as the second music director following Keith Clark in 1979. Since 2007, the orchestra has established five youth ensembles: Youth Orchestra, Youth Wind Ensemble, San Diego Youth Symphony, Santa Ana Strings, and the most recent addition in 2022, the Teen Wind Ensemble for 6th-9th graders. The orchestra has also initiated various community education programs such as Sunday Connections, arts-X-press, OC Can You Play With Us, Strings for Generations, and Class Act. St. Clair has also been appointed as the honorary guest conductor of the Upper Rhine Symphony Orchestra in Germany, conducting orchestras in Asia, Europe, Central America, and South America.
On the day of his upcoming honorary retirement, St. Clair, prior to the performance, shared in an interview with classical music radio host and Grammy Award-nominated classical music critic Rich Capparela, his perspective on valuing time over all else. St. Clair emphasized the importance of utilizing time wisely to make achievements that bring positive impacts or help others.
St. Clair expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the Pacific Symphony throughout the years. He highlighted his dual role as both a conductor and a lifelong educator, with 30 years of collaboration with the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. St. Clair emphasized the significant role educational outreach plays for music directors and noted the influence of notable teachers like Leonard Bernstein in his own career.
Reflecting on the orchestra’s growth, St. Clair credited the orchestra’s success to the recognition of the importance of classical music and community support. He emphasized the orchestra’s role as a “family” that includes board members, advisory committees, musicians, and community residents.
St. Clair recalled significant moments in the orchestra’s history, like the successful Vienna concert in 2006, where Orange County’s passion for music was recognized. The orchestra’s dedication to reflecting the community’s characteristics and values has fueled its 46-year journey of prosperity.
Looking towards the future, St. Clair highlighted the orchestra’s adaptability to incorporate ballet, opera, pop music, and outdoor concerts in addition to classical performances. He emphasized the importance of maintaining relevance and appealing to the community’s desires to ensure continued success.
Addressing the challenge of retaining the relevance of classical music for younger audiences, St. Clair stressed the orchestra’s commitment to engaging with schools and communities. By introducing young people to classical music through educational programs and performances, the orchestra aims to foster a lasting appreciation for the art form.
St. Clair’s dedication to preserving and promoting classical music across generations was evident in his performances and educational initiatives. His commitment to excellence and continuous innovation has been instrumental in shaping the Pacific Symphony into a renowned institution that resonates with diverse audiences.