BEST BETS Thursday 5/24

COSTA MESA

8pm

Music

Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4 in F Minor signaled a sea change in the composer’s symphonic output. From then on, the scope and seriousness of his symphonies deepened, without any loss of his melodic appeal. Carl St.Clair conducts the Pacific Symphony in this great work as part of the program that closes the current subscription series at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. Also coming: the West Coast premiere of U.S. composer Michael Daugherty’s “Route 66” and Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D, with soloist Joshua Bell.

* Pacific Symphony, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. $19 to $57. (714) 556-2787.

ALISO VIEJO

11am

Science

Linus Pauling won the Nobel Prize twice, first in 1954 for his work in chemistry, then in 1962 for efforts toward world peace. He was also among pioneers who stressed the benefits of vitamin C supplements. The exhibit “Linus Pauling and the 20th Century” features photographs, diary entries and other artifacts from his life, and interactive workstations for adults and children.

* “Linus Pauling and the 20th Century,” Soka University of America, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Through June 10. Free. (949) 480-4081.