Fireworks, Fun, Food --and All in Concert

The event: Donors to the Pacific Symphony gathered at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre on the Fourth of July for a star-spangled concert and picnic.

Strike up the band: With the theme “All-American Anthem,” conductor David Bishop led the orchestra in selections from works by Joplin (“Treemonisha”), Kern (“Show Boat”) and Bernstein (“Overture to Candide”). The Spirit Chorale of Los Angeles, directed by Byron Smith, sang a modern arrangement of the gospel standard “Elijah Rock.” Capping the concert was the classic “Stars and Stripes Forever” by Sousa. Afterward, guests watched a fireworks extravaganza.

Yankee dandies: Among those decked out in patriotic ensembles were Dr. Bill Moss--resplendent in an American flag-print shirt--and his wife, Judy, who wore a white pullover sweater emblazoned with stars, stripes and the letters USA. “I’m proud to be an American and happy to show it,” she said.

All-American fare: Seated at tables decorated with red and gold stars and small versions of Old Glory, guests sipped bubbly and dined on homemade potato salad, barbecued chicken breast, grilled veggies, corn on the cob and strawberry shortcake.

Quote: “This is the perfect way to celebrate the Fourth. You’ve got fireworks, wonderful music and somebody else to do the barbecuing,” said symphony buff Peggy Cotton, who wore a silk shirt sprinkled with musical notes.

Bottom line: Subscribers to the orchestra’s annual Summer Concert Series pay $3,500 per table of four for the chance to sit up front at “pit tables,” dine on catered fare and schmooze backstage with performers after the show.

More concerts: “A New World Fiddler,” July 19; “Mozart in Vienna,” Aug. 9; “Carmina Burana,” Aug. 23; “Under a Spanish Moon,” Sept. 6; and a “Tchaikovsky Spectacular,” Sept. 20.

Guest list: Barbara and Mark Johnson, Louis Spisto, Ron and Joyce Hanson, Joanne and Gary Hunt, Tom and Ann Keyes, Tricia and Michael Berns, Larry and Diane Holt, Cece and Randall Presley, Gloria and Irv Gellman, Fran Bass-Dudley, Marcy Mulville, Les Cotton, Gail and Peter Ochs, Michele Marek, Robert Saunders, Winston and Juanita West, Thomas Getz, Chester Pompeii, and Vesta Curry.

What’s next: Prospective members of a new orchestra support group, the Symphony Supper Club, will enjoy brunch and a chamber music concert Sept. 28. For information: (714) 755-5788, Ext. 264.