Long Beach Symphony

The performance was amazing! Great venue...appreciative audience. Extremely enjoyable evening.

Make music or GO see it! We need more Symphony in our lives !

A++++, venue, all muscians, conductor, amazing talent!!! ...but I reaally thought it was going to be more of a Scottish influence so I was disappointed in that.

Symphony sounded wonderful. Prokofiev was a great start, but Rachmaninov's concerto was the obvious highlight. All 3 movements were performed superbly, although, the tempo of the 2nd movement was just slightly faster than I would have liked (perhaps a tiny bit rushed?) Nonetheless, I was misty-eyed and moved the entire time!

The program "From Russia with Love" started with the difficult Prokovief, then moved on to the incredibly moving Rachmaninoff Piano concerto played by a superb soloist. That would have been an excellent and memorable concert. However, the Long Beach Symphony then performed Pictures at an Exhibition conducted to build to superlative and emotion-evoking climax showcasing excellent soloists especially lead trumpet. I will long remember the evening.

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Marilyn Horne's narration of Copland's Lincoln Portrait, and the choirs and soloists singing Beethoven's 9th Symphony with the Long Beach Symphony. The spirit in Long Beach is wonderful, and the party of cake and champagne to celebrate the orchestra's 75th anniversary afterwards was such a nice touch.

Loved this show. It's also fun to have the audience join in. Makes one feel like a part of the LBSO family. We'll be back.

Long Beach is a happening city anyways and when you add a foggy nite and an incredible sight such as the LBCC you know somethings gonna pop. Of course it did. Miss Horne was great in the Copland piece, the 9th beyond belief. Then champagne and cake! Thanks to all who put that together.

Maestro Diemecke, the Long Beach Symphony, the soloists, the chorus were just totally awesome. Marilyn Horne was unforgettable. The Terrace Theater is one of the best. An unforgettable night...would see it all over again!!!

I got there late and sat in the nose bleeds but everything sounded pretty clear and the view was great. At the intermission I was allowed to sit in my seat at the second row but that was too close because all I could see was the front row of the orchestra and my neck started to hurt from looking up for so long. The sixth or seventh row would probably be a better place to sit.

Though the hundreds were in attendance the experience was warm and personal. Loved the opportunities for audience participation. Those involved from the music director to the lighting and stage hand/s presented a performance that was most memorable, truly professional, confident and spectacular.

My son and I went to this concert and the only problem we had was finding the parking place. But once we got inside the huge theater, in 60's retro style, we enjoyed this top orchestra in a space with wonderful sound. Go see them.

The flamenco dancing was stellar! Pepe Romero's talent lived up to his legendary status. The only criticism of what was billed as a night with Pepe Romero was that he only played three songs and the remainder of the evening was the Long Beach Symphony.

The program got off to a rousing start with "Ritmo Jondo" in a bravura performance by Flamenco dancer Arleen Hurtado accompanied by two palmeros and some unexpected orchestration. Chabrier's "España" was colorful and "noisy" as the composer intended -- distinctly a Frenchman's impression of Spain. The highlight of the night was, of course, Pepe Romero! What can I say about this grand master of the guitar? After the lengthy standing ovation, Pepe revealed that he was in a sense "sandwiched" between his father (the composer) and the guitar of his son on which he performed "Concierto de Málaga" -- a breathtaking performance by a delightful performer. The rest of the concert was the two beloved orchestral standbys: "Capriccio Espagnol" by Rimsky-Korsakov and ""Carmen Suites 1 & 2" by Bizet performed with great panache by the Long Beach Symphony and a surprise performance by Arleen Hurtado as "Carmen". My only wish was for more Spanish compositions. We are sure that the always lively Eckert Preu would give them a firey performance.

Great night of music, uplifting and edifying for the soul! The flamenco dancer was an added bonus!

The venue is lovely, the hall sounds great, the orchestra was top-notch, and the new conductor was great. Adding the flamenco dancer was a lot of fun too! But OMG Pepe Romero was fantastic, and had a funny and heart-warming story about his son being there decades ago as a child during rehearsals, and now as the maker of the incredible guitar Pepe played. It was a wonderful evening.

I was really disappointed in the symphony. My expectations was that the orchestra was going to focus on the Spanish Flamenco and on the famous guitarist Pepe Romero. While the flamenco dancer, her accompanist and Pepe Romero were outstanding, not enough time was spent experiencing them. When the symphony played it sounded like a version of Jingle Bells or something Disney created. It was fluffy and did not sound Spanish at all. Which really bored me. That and the fact that Pepe Romero's family was sitting all the way at the top of the auditorium spoke of disrespect. I don't know whose in charge down there but they need to change is up to something current and relevant, not old school and Disney.

What an amazing night!..the long beach symphony was great in accompaning Pepe Romero!.. I wish he could have played another set otherwise it was a fantastic evening!

Pepe Romero provided an amazing performance. His guitar playing skills are unmatched, playing with one hand...Ididn't know it could be done ! His encore was especially satisfying. The Long Beach Phil did a great job with their rendition of Carmen, and the Flamenco dancer made the "Spanish evening" complete.

I was able to get front row seats for Pepe Romero as a Christmas present for my classical guitarist husband! Pepe Romero is flawless. We were drawn into his playing - his technique and talent held us in suspended hypnotic joy. Arleen Hurtado was breathtaking. Maestro Eckart Preu puts every ounce of his experience into his conducting. A beautiful romantic night. The talk before hand gave us the depth needed to enjoy all of the music and dance. Let me see....in order of teamwork The singer The dancer The guitarist The palmas Wish we could get season tickets.

I had thought that Pepe Romero would be more featured, but this concert was more about the Long Beach Symphony. A Spanish dancer made only a brief appearance, and two promised plameros were no shows. Lastly, when Pepe Romero did play, he was hard to hear well.

Pepe Romero plays the guitar beautifully. LBSO took us a tour of Spanish history. Fantastic!

What a privilege to attend Long Beach Symphony's "Spanish Nights", with guest artist Pepe Romero. There aren't words to adequately praise Romero and his magnificent family of musicians. It will, I think, say everything to know that he brilliantly played his father's "Concierto de Málaga" on a guitar made by his own son, Pepe Romero, Jr. As I listened, I pondered on what makes a master musician....surely not *just* a knowledge of what you're about. In Pepe's case, at least, superior skill is joined by love and a bonding to/of past, present and future. The Symphony, under the new Conductor, Eckart Preu, was wonderful as well. (Should the Symphony not work out for Preu, he's got a future in any mosh pit out there; his verve and jumpin' must leave him exhausted at end of show!)Arleen Hurtado, who danced, was beautiful in a thousand ways. An absolutely amazing evening! (the only negative: $15.00 for parking. RIDICULOUS. Will Uber next time)

I thoroughly enjoyed Maestro Preau and the Symphony. We travelled an hour from San Juan Capistrano for this stirring concert! The venue is beautiful and well maintained. I ll come again.

Disappointed. By the way this event was titled : A Salute to Veterans. A Veterans Day Event", A normal thinking of this event would be they would play patriotic songs and the entire event was patriotic themed. Especially since they encouraged veterans to attend. Well, this was not the case. They played the official songs for the military branches and that was it. The rest were classical and a modern piece of regular classical music. The conductor is also newer to the Long Beach Symphony. We paid handsomely for two orchestra tickets, spent fours, paid $15.00 in parking for an event not as marketed. I was expecting an evening of known U.S. Patriotic songs amongst veterans. This is not what they did. By the way, they had a handful of students from a local high school in the lobby for ten minutes playing a few known patriotic songs - this is what the actual L.B. Symphony Orchestra should have played!

Excellent director and Orchestra. I recommend that people see this truly amazing performance.

Wonderful evening full of beautiful music. Everyone in the symphony is so great and talented. The chorus and 4 main singers were a big surprised to us as we had no idea they will be there. The were great too ! Symphony with such talented singers with amazing voices are a real pleasure to see and hear.

This event was a graduation event for my son. we all enjoyed the orchestra emensly and with the added choir and the soloists the entire event was spectacular. We would come hear and see it all over again.

Under the superb direction of Rob Istad the Long Beach Camerata Singers and the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra Knock the Mozart Requiem Out of the Park

My first time at Long Beach Symphony. I was so impressed by the musicians and conductor/director. The clearness, depth, expression of feelings, and quality of the music was spellbinding!

A night to remember. Would sit in other seats next time as you can't see the whole orchestra from the front rows, but the price and experience was amazing.

I have been to many concerts over the years and can truly say they are world class. The new conductor is amazing. We plan to see many more.

The orchestra played superbly with Conductor Lucas Richman evoking a broadway-like excitement to the beautiful pieces. The musicians were completely in sync with him. Marcia Dickstein's played the harp like an angel.

Loved this! Anyone that enjoys the classics should seriously check it out. LB Symphony is amazing! And our orchestra seats were perfect. I can't wait for the next show.

This was my first classical concert, I went alone and was very excited to experience this! I listen to Mozart and Beethoven while I paint, and sometimes when I'm working to help me focus. I have a few favorites that I was looking forward to hearing, but unfortunately didn't hear any of them. Either way, I had a good seat and am glad I went. Maybe I just hyped myself up too much, or maybe I should have done more research on what to expect at this concert. Bottom line is, I wouldn't go again if I knew what I was getting myself into.

Everything about the performance of Mahler 4 was excellent. My original row one balcony seat was not okay because of greatly diminished sight line, but moving to another place was simple. What a terrific orchestra & what outstanding conductor & soloist. Highly satisfying experience.

Great show, they really brought the music to life. Nice venue.

The closing night of the Long Beach Symphony's 80th season was fabulous! Started out with Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony. Beautiful, lyrical passages. A bit slow moving at times, but I was proud of the fact that I didn't fall asleep. That was followed by a trombone concerto. For such a strange instrument, it was actually quite lovely. The soloist and the conductor spoke for 30 minutes before the concert, and shared their insights. Both very engaging musical speakers. One thing I found out that I didn't previously know was that Mendelssohn rewrote passages of his Italian symphony in later years, and he made it less interesting musically (in the opinion of the conductor, and me). He played the original and revised versions on the piano, and old Felix really dumbed it down. He got rid of engaging trills and went the safe route with certain notes, instead of the original bold notes. They played the original version last night and we're better off. The last piece was (wait for it!): Beethoven's Fifth. They did a great job, and let it rip for all the crash/bang that they could. I know the music pretty well, and enjoyed seeing the parts of the orchestra playing the passages that I was familiar with. I didn't realize that Beethoven loves cellos and violas! He often started out important passages with those sections, then swept through the orchestra highlighting other, higher sections. Marvelous to witness, both visually and auditorily.

I thought the symphony was amazing. All of the players were fantastic and i loved the last piece on the piano.

Dvorak's 9th symphony is my favorite piece of classical music, and it was a pleasure to see it live. I especially enjoyed the conductor's pre-performance commentary, as he provided a nice context in which to enjoy the work.

Firs lets start off with the bad, the seats in this place were literally so uncomfortable it's nearly four days later and my back still hurts and I was one of the youngest people there. The waiting times just standing around we're annoying and you pay for seats that are not enforced? The pieces were pretty, I really only cared for the first one and the pain in my upper body distracted me from fully getting into the performance. The performers themselves were really nothing special to me. There were two cellists and a violinist that stood out but honestly the highlight was the conductor, Bruce Kiesing. If you have a chance to see him,go its almost worth it. I wouldn't go again because of the seats but I hope of I do it will be more professional.

Excellent evening enjoying my favorite classical piece, Stravinsky's Firebird Suite. The LBSO was on their game to be sure. We were moments late for the opening piece of the evening's show so we had to watch and listen from the upper level until the first intermission. We were in the absolute furthest row away and yet the sound was superb! We got our seats in the 10th row soon after that and actually, I think the sound was superior up above. Nonetheless, the two hour show was well worth the time and expense. My only reason for not giving five stars has nothing to do with the performance but rather the difficulty we had parking in the completely stuffed adjacent parking garage for $10.

It always amazes me to see such talent and skill at a symphony performance and Long Beach Symphony Orchestra did not disappoint! The scores played were beautiful, especially Scheherazade. It really is "beautifully haunting". For anyone who's interested in classical music and would like to spend their Saturday evening at the symphony, then I recommend this. From where I sat, the stage was literally two feet away so I had the perfect view of the cello and double bass section. I was close enough to watch the player's intricate movements and concentrated faces which was pretty interesting and the sound was fine. I was worried that being so close would make me go deaf by the end of the evening but it wasn't a problem. If you want to have a perfect view of the entire stage though, I recommend you sit a few rows back and in the center or up in the Loge area.

This was a great concert. The pianist was extraordinary. The energy of the conductor was very enthusiastic, passionate and engaging. This is my second time at an event organized by the Long Beach Orchestra, and it has been very delightful to attend.

Excellent performance however, sound system needs to be upgraded.

Wonderful concert. We are very impressed with the Long Beach Symphony.. Sorry the long time conductor is leaving and hope his replacement stands up to current standards.

I enjoyed it. I would come again. I would make it more formal dress it would make the experience alot better.

We enjoyed the movements and commentary behind them. Great to relax and listen to the symphony classics.

The concert was out of this world! First and foremost, we enjoyed the Preview Lecture. I don't think the speaker actually announced himself. Was that Alan Chapman from KUSC? Anyway, his talk was intelligent and informative, with just the right touch of humor. The Preview enhamced our enjoyment of the actual performance. The talent and craftsmanship of the musicians was absolutely beyond wonderful! I wished the Diemecke brothers had come back at the end of the concert to perform an encore! The music throughout the evening's performance transported us into another realm of existence! Without question, Maestro Diemecke and the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra were at the height of their musical capabilities! I'm sure the entire audience that night will be coming back for more!

The concert was probably the best I've ever seen. The music was top rate and there is none better than Ian Porter on the piano. A great performer who can tickle the keys as well as anyone. Give us more Gershwin. The orchestra was at the top of their profession. Can't wait for the new season to begin.

The orchestra was fantastic and the conductor was so insightful with the beginning feature on factoids for the piece. I learned so much about how the piece was put together by Tchaiikowsky and his style. The music was very beautifully done and was just the right amount of time.

Absolutely fantastic! Diemecke had a great rapport with the audience, and brought the music alive. "Rite" is a lifelong favorite of mine, and I learned new things to listen for and appreciate. Marvelous performance by both maestro & orchestra. Bravo! Hope they do it again for more masterpieces (Beethoven's 9th, perhaps? or "Thus Spake Zarathustra"?) Thanks so much for putting on such a great show.

Beethoven shows us his "classical" side as a opposed to his "romantic" side with his violin concerto. The soloist, Ms. Chase, gave a performance that was technically flawless yet emotionally restrained without being sterile. The orchestra, especially the woodwinds, handled their parts beautifully, The individual players of the orchestra, down to a person, did an incredible job in the "Rite of Spring," unfortunately, there were some missing components to this performance, beginning with an adequate number of string players to balance out the mighty forces of winds, brass and percussion that the piece calls for. Not only were there not enough violins, but the two sections were physically divided by such a large chasm, (apparently for the conductor to walk on and off the stage? why can't he just walk in front of the orchestra?) that their forces seemed stranded on a distant island, contributing to a lack of blend, homogeneity and heft in an already overpowered string section. I am certain that the undermanned string section was due to an economic decision, and in that case, maybe it's better to wait to perform "Sacre" when it can be afforded its proper due. The other issue was the interpretation of Maestro Diemecke. Unfortunately for him, we in the area have been blessed by the absolutely brilliant and terrifying performances of Maestro Salonen and the LA Phil, and then the stunningly visceral, sensual, and yes, erotic, interpretation of Maestro Dudamel and the same orchestra this past fall. The Long Beach conductor, while seeming to enjoy himself immensely, didn't really make a case for much more than a very well-played performance (again, bravo to all of the musicians!) with some odd tempo choices, constant problems with balance, a lack of heft, and most unfortunately, a lack of heat. One did not feel the inherent architecture of the piece, either musically or emotionally. Special notice must be given to Judith Farmer, who played the opening bassoon solo as beautifully as we have ever heard it played.While most bassoonists struggle with its high tessitura, she owned it. Lush, haunting and nuanced, it set the stage for what could have been another "Sacre" to cherish.

The featured Broadway artists were incredible vocalists! I have attended many Broadway musicals and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Programs. Christmas Fantasy topped them all!

It was a great performance and sound by all parties. The conductor was very personal with a good sense of humor. Show was listed as good for family, and although this is true, a few younger members of the audience did get a little bit bored and restless. Nice theater and pleasant staff.

The show was so wonderful, from the beautiful music to the gorgeous decorations. I will definately go again and I recommend the event to everyone.

Put together the combination of a master guitarist and Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez, and you're bound to get us in the audience. We took the drive to an unfamiliar venue in a city we rarely visit, and enjoyed every minute of it! The bargain seats in the last two rows of the Orchestra section were great, the conductor was a pleasant surprise, and the enthusiasm of the audience was outstanding. Of course, Pepe Romero was masterful, and willingly played an encore. Thank you, LBSO for an enjoyable evening!

when you read about the 'top 100 guitarists of all time", you never seem to see any of the classical players on the list. And you really should. The difficulty and intricacy of what they play makes even the least gifted classical player a very gifted player indeed. And Pepe (that's SIR Pepe to you and me) is beyond gifted. He's an amazing player. A superb player. And a humble and genuine person on top of all that musical wonderfulness. One of the top 10 concerts of my life. (I'm sorry....i didn't mention any of the other pieces....well, the symphony is beautiful and i also enjoyed Mr. Diemecke so very much! I will be back!)

Great performance! Pepe Romero's playing just gets better and better - Like a good vintage wine.

it was really great to see the young artists get to perform in such a wonderful venue

Music was amazing. Great choice of program. great atmosphere

The LB Symphony's Vienna Nights was really fun. Enrique Diemecke, the conductor, was so entertaining. He's funny and witty and kept the audience engaged. The musical selection was really interesting. Overall a great show and the price is really good compared to the LA symphony.

Great Director, Great Band with Great Music! My wife and myself enjoyed very much during the entire concert. Please keep us posted for the next one!

This was a perfect concert! It's hard to miss when you can hear Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto and wonderful Strauss pieces played by a fine orchestra. The piano concerto was magnificent, and the solist definitely did it justice. The lilting melodies of Strauss had me dancing in my seat. The conductor was especially delightful and added much visual delight to the Strauss pieces with his animated movements and playfulness . At some points he reminded me, in the best possible and respectful way, of the joyfulness of Harpo Marx. I loved every moment of this concert.

EXCELLENTE PREFORMANCE ALL THE FAMILY ENJOY. THANK YOU.

I must say I hadn't had a better time in the symphony compared to this past Saturday night.

The symphony was beautiful, the sound was great, and my seat was perfect.

All in all a great performance worthy of the composers that inspired the music.

Was fantastic one of best ever, I will come back. The symphony met all expectations.

Excellent performance for a local symphony. Conductor was fun and engaged the audiance. Soloist was very good.

Excellent Flutist also for Kachaturian Flute Concerto I highly recommend LBSO

Fantastic performance ! Great venue.Wish there were more like this. Unforgettable.