Saturday, October 6, 2012 – 7:30pm*

The LBSO is kicking off the cultural season with high art at its finest. This is an exhilarating concert, with festivities before andafter to make it an extra-special evening to remember.It’s a grand reunion after the LBSO’s traditional summer hiatus:

• Have a drink or a snack and socialize on the Terrace Plaza
• Hear Pre-Concert Lobby Music showcasing young local virtuosos the Aurora String Quartet from Poly High School
  
• Learn what’s behind the music with noted musicologists or radio hosts at the Pre-Concert Talk from 6:30-7pm.

PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 3

The audience will be captivated by the soft and luxurious beauty as well as the fast and fiery passages in the hands of 2009 Van Cliburn award-winner Haochen Zhang in his return performance to Long Beach.

There’s a new crop of phenomenal young pianists from China…the most gifted of the lot may very well be Haochen Zhang. Zhang attacked the daunting Prokofiev[#2] with a ferocious energy that was breathtaking.

-Jim Ruggirello, Gazette Newspapers (June 2011)

TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5

Tchaikovsky takes the listener on a journey from tragedy to triumph in this masterpiece of the 19th century. The powerful finale is not to be forgotten.

Stay after the concert for a reception and complimentary champagne toast on the Terrace Theater Plaza with Maestro Diemecke and LBSO musicians. Lounge around the outdoor fire pits, have a drink or a snack (no host), listen to some live jazz, and celebrate the LBSO's 78th season!

*Note the earlier start time