Cal Phil, POPS to Butt Heads Next Summer

Next summer, Arcadia residents will have to choose between the California Philharmonic and the Pasadena Symphony and POPS.

The two musical powerhouses, who perform at Santa Anita Park and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Bontanic Garden, respectively, have three conflicting summer concert dates. Previously, they never had overlapping concert dates.

POPS spokesperson Ivan Schustak said he expects the season to be successful —  regardless of the date conflict.

While it is unfortunate that we have some overlap on concert dates, we do not see it as cause for concern or worry. The region is lucky to enjoy a robust number of arts organizations presenting concerts each summer and date conflicts, while not ideal, are inevitable from time to time. The Ford Theater and the Hollywood Bowl operate across the street from each other and do so in harmony every summer.

We also have a different audience base. Our subscription campaign is right on track and we're even ahead of last year's sales at this point in the calendar year. Audiences love the Arboretum concert experience — from the lush garden setting, our programming choices celebrating the Great American Songbook to the guest artists, and especially the appointment of Michael Feinstein as our new Principal Pops Conductor. Patrons have become accustomed to our venue entrances, traffic and parking plan, which is distinctly separate from the Cal Phil's entrances at Santa Anita Race Track, which are not off Baldwin. Excellent customer service is a hallmark of our operation and we will take the necessary steps to avoid any confusion with our customers and the general public.

Philharmonic Principal Conductor Victor Vener was out of the office and could not be reached for comment.

Summer concert schedules for the Pasadena POPS and Cal Phil:

June 1

    Pops – Michael Feinstein’s Songbook

June 29

    Cal Phil – Beatles, Beach Boys & Beethoven
    Pops – Bernadette Peters in Concert

July 13

    Cal Phil – Andrew Lloyd Webber meets Puccini
    Pops – Michael Feinstein’s MGM Movie Classics

July 27

    Cal Phil – Dance Fever

Aug. 10

    Cal Phil – Rodgers, Hammerstein & Gershwin
    Pops - Classical Mystery Tour: Music of the Beatles

Aug. 24

    Cal Phil – Bernstein on Broadway

Sept. 7

    Pops – Michael Feinstein: The Gershwins & Me