Preview: ‘Pasadena Symphony Begins Its 2024–25 Season With Its New Music Director, Brett Mitchell’

PASADENA — Colorado Boulevard has published a preview of Brett Mitchell’s upcoming inaugural concerts as Music Director of the Pasadena Symphony:

Mitchell will conduct Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, Korgold’s Violin Concerto with renowned violinist Akiko Suwanai, winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition, and “New Beginnings” by Peter Boyer. The program, deeply rooted in Pasadena, reflects the orchestra members’ strong ties to the film and television recording industry. This marks the acclaimed orchestra’s 97th season… and the conductor’s first season with them.

Brett Mitchell commences his tenure appropriately with New Beginnings, a celebratory fanfare by Peter Boyer, a prolific film score orchestrator and GRAMMY-nominated composer based in Altadena. New Beginnings has been heard from Carnegie Hall to the Kansas prairie and was adapted for background music on CBS This Morning.

Also embracing the orchestra’s cinematic connections and musical virtuosity, Suwanai, performs the Violin Concerto by Korngold. Referred to as a “Hollywood Concerto,” the beloved Violin Concerto integrates themes from films the composer scored during the Golden Age of cinema. It offers a subtle nod to the numerous Pasadena Symphony artists past and present whose work in the film recording industry spans the decades.

Mitchell caps his first program as music director of the Pasadena Symphony with Mahler’s landmark Symphony No. 1, “Titan,” a staggering work of tremendous emotional depth for massive forces.

Mitchell says, “I’m truly thrilled that the Pasadena Symphony’s season launch and my debut as music director is finally here! What better way to connect with the Pasadena community than by opening my tenure with the brilliant music of a world-renowned composer from right up the road in Altadena?”

This is the first of six distinctive programs this season, each of which will spotlight the critically acclaimed orchestra’s artistry, deep community roots, and unwavering commitment to championing both emerging and established composers.  Mitchell has been hailed for his “deftly rendered” performances (The Plain Dealer) and “engaging, in-depth explorations of thoughtfully curated programs” (Cascade A&E). Mitchell’s five-year tenure with the Pasadena Symphony began on April 1, 2024.

Tickets include admission to a pre-concert conversation held one hour prior to the concert. KUSC Classical California’s Brian Lauritzen will interview the Pasadena Symphony’s new Music Director, Brett Mitchell, offering a deep and entertaining dive into the program.

To read the complete preview, please click here.