The special exhibit showcases the music, people, and programs that have shaped Orange County’s internationally acclaimed orchestra
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – To culminate a milestone season celebrating Music Director Carl St.Clair’s 35-year career, Pacific Symphony’s remarkable history in Orange County is being featured in a curated exhibit at John Wayne Airport presented by the Airport Arts Commission. Now on display until October 13, 2025, visitors can explore the Symphony’s evolution from a regional ensemble to one of the nation’s leading orchestras. Performing music that inspires, entertains and heals, Pacific Symphony is a beacon of artistic achievement both at home and abroad and this exhibit captures the heart of its mission. This inviting exhibition is on view at the airport’s Destination Gallery, located on the non-secure pedestrian bridge connecting Terminals B and C.
“We’re grateful to John Wayne Airport for helping us share the story of Pacific Symphony in a highly visible public display as we celebrate Carl St.Clair and look toward a vibrant future building on his legacy,” said John Forsyte, President and CEO of Pacific Symphony. “We’re especially proud to highlight our most memorable achievements on stage, as well as our deep commitment to the community through middle and high school youth ensembles, elementary school music education programs, free public concerts, and music and wellness programs that reach thousands each year.”
Over the past 35 years, St.Clair has orchestrated a vision of joy and excellence—leading Pacific Symphony through challenging repertoire alongside luminaries including Yo-Yo Ma, Lang Lang and John Williams, to acclaimed and up-and-coming musicians from across the globe. Pacific Symphony is known internationally through major tours in Europe and China, its Carnegie Hall debut, and a PBS Great Performances special broadcast globally. St.Clair has also brought opera back to Orange County through yearly semi-staged productions featuring world-class opera stars, as well as created traditions through holiday concerts including the Lunar New Year and Nowruz concerts, and Handel’s “Messiah.”
“This exhibit is a tribute to the incredible journey Pacific Symphony has taken under Carl St.Clair’s leadership,” said MC Sungaila, Pacific Symphony Board member, member of the John Wayne Airport Arts Commission, and partner at Complex Appellate Litigation Group. “As a long-time Orange County resident and admirer of orchestral music, it was important to me that we share this journey with the broader community—travelers and residents alike. John Wayne Airport is the perfect place to showcase how far the Symphony has come and where it’s headed next.”
“John Wayne Airport is proud to host this special exhibit honoring the legacy of Pacific Symphony and Maestro Carl St.Clair,” said Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director. “As a gateway to Orange County, the Airport is committed to showcasing the rich cultural diversity of the area. This installation not only celebrates musical achievement, but it also invites travelers to experience the creativity and connection in our community.”
From blockbuster repertoire to family programs and community-building initiatives, the Symphony has become a cultural cornerstone of Orange County. The Symphony also actively shapes the future of classical music through long-term composer-in-residence relationships and a robust commissioning and recording effort.
The organization’s commitment to education and community engagement is equally profound. Through educational programs like the Frieda Belinfante Class Act, Pacific Symphony Youth Ensembles, and the summer camp-style arts-X-press, the Symphony mentors thousands of young people each year. These programs build confidence, spark creativity, and affirm St.Clair’s belief that “music is a birthright.”
The exhibit also looks to the future, celebrating the next movement in the Symphony’s journey as internationally acclaimed conductor Alexander Shelley prepares to step in as artistic and music director, the third leader in the orchestra’s history.
“Partnering with Pacific Symphony to showcase all of the invaluable cultural contributions they have made to the region has been a really special experience. I am so inspired by their amazing outreach and accessibility efforts that provide everyone a chance to listen to, learn, and enjoy music,” remarked John Wayne Airport Curator Heather Bowling.
This engaging retrospective invites travelers and locals alike to learn more about the orchestra that has shaped the musical heart of Orange County. Travelers and local visitors alike can enjoy the exhibition at the Destination Gallery, situated in the walkway between Terminal B and C, on the upper Departures level of the airport. Because this gallery is on the non-secure side of the airport, there is no need to go through TSA, so anyone can visit the space. Parking is just $4/hr on site, and other galleries can be viewed by obtaining an OCAirPass to go through security.
About Pacific Symphony
Pacific Symphony, under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Carl St.Clair since 1990, has been the resident orchestra of Orange County’s Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for over 15 years. Founded in 1978, the Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years and is not only a fixture of musical life in Southern California but is also recognized as an outstanding ensemble making strides on both the national and international scenes. The orchestra presents more than 100 concerts and events each year and a rich array of education and community engagement programs, reaching more than 300,000 residents of all ages. For more information, visit PacificSymphony.org.
Media Contacts
Janelle Kruly
714-858-0945
About John Wayne Airport
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is owned by the County of Orange and is operated as a self-supporting enterprise that receives no general fund tax revenue. The Airport serves more than 11.3 million passengers annually and reaches more than 40 nonstop destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. More information can be found at www.ocair.com. Like us on facebook.com/johnwayneairport, or follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @johnwayneair and Instagram @johnwayneair.
The John Wayne Airport Arts Commission advises and makes recommendations to the Airport Director and the Orange County Board of Supervisors regarding the development and administration of the Airport Arts Program. For more information about the John Wayne Airport Arts Program, visit www.ocair.com/terminal/artexhibits