Mural tiles illustrate measures of music

A tile mural featuring the Costa Mesa-based Pacific Symphony was unveiled last month at a Mission Viejo park.

Several hundred participants of all ages helped create the work, which is more than 12 feet wide and 3 feet high. The mural on permanent display at Oso Viejo Community Park depicts a colorful scene with Pacific Symphony conductor Carl St. Clair, orchestra musicians, performers and spectators.

Surrounding the picture are 4-by-8-inch tiles that illustrate measures of music from USC music professor and composer Frank Ticheli, whose compositions for band and orchestra are repertoire standards nationwide.

St. Clair, who has been with the orchestra for 20 years, was given a mini-version of the mural at the unveiling July 31 before the orchestra’s “Symphony in the Cities” free outdoor concert. Organizers said the mural highlights the orchestra’s partnership with the city.

“We greatly value our relationship with Mission Viejo and have been proud of the increasing audiences for our concert and educational initiatives,” said Symphony President John Forsyte. “We never expected that we would be thanked in such a thoughtful manner. It’s a beautiful symbol of a great partnership.”

— Bradley Zint