If ever an event bespoke glitz, glamor, and an appreciation for all things musical, it would be the Pasadena Symphony’s annual Moonlight Sonata fundraising gala. Traditionally held in the picture-perfect courtyard of Pasadena’s City Hall, the wondrous evening each year gathers the City’s loveliest and most dashing for cocktails under a rising Southern California moon. 

Then, as twilight turns to night, the guests find their seats at tables in Centennial Square to sail through the elegant evening of music and dancing.

Of course, in The Season Pandemic, all this is impossible. Yet innovation has triumphed. This Saturday evening, Pasadena Symphony’s Moonlight Sonata virtual fundraising event streams live. 

The show is packed full of surprises with a live auction, Fund the Future paddle raise and exclusive performances by Michael Feinstein, Catherine Russell, Cheyenne Jackson and more, appearances by songstress Patti Austin and our own Larry Blank; hosted by Music Director David Lockington. Join the after-party and groove the evening away on our Digital Dance Floor with the sensational Michael Cavanaugh.

This event is free to enjoy open to the public by registering through the event’s secure website prior to the event. 

On the classical side, the orchestra’s own Assistant Concertmaster Elizabeth Hedman will perform a duet with Principal Second Violin Sara Parkins of the Eroica Trio.

Music fans around the world will recognize Principal Pops Conductor Michael Feinstein, who has built a career over the last three decades bringing the music of the Great American songbook to the world. From five Grammy Award nominations to an Emmy nominated PBS-TV specials, an acclaimed NPR series and concerts spanning the globe – in addition to his appearances at iconic venues such as The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall and Sydney Opera House, his works define Feinstein as one America’s most important musical forces.

When the classical and pop performances are over, guests can join the after-party and dance on the Symphony Digital Dance Floor with Michael Cavanaugh, who Billboard called “The New Voice of the American Rock ‘n Roll Songbook.”

Cavanaugh will host a live digital dance floor, where he will perform hits from Elton John, Billy Joel and others from his home studio. The musical experience will be hosted by Music Director David Lockington with appearances by Resident Pops Conductor Larry Blank.

The Moonlight Sonata Virtual Event actually opens its virtual doors at noon on Thursday, September 10, with a dedicated website offering one-of-a-kind, interactive attractions to prep audiences for the event, including a special menu from restaurant partner Parkway Grill, messages from surprise guests,  and other surprises, which we will leave right here.

To fully participate in the live-streamed event on Saturday, September 12, guests may add a credit card on the secure site, to bid on one or more auction packages or donate to the Symphony’s “Fund the Future” campaign for music education.

For more information or to register to attend, please visit PasadenaSymphony-Pops.org/MoonlightSonata2020. All proceeds will support the relaunch campaign of the Pasadena Symphony and POPS.

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