Don’t miss the Donald Bren Honors Concert

Hundreds of Irvine’s best and most committed student-musicians are preparing to take center stage for the 28th annual Donald Bren Honors Concert, set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27. The upcoming concert, presented by the Irvine Public Schools Foundation in partnership with IUSD, will once again take place at the renowned Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, located at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

In all, approximately 600 top vocalists and instrumentalists in grades five through 12 will participate in the musical showcase, and IPSF is anticipating an audience of more than 1,200. Over the years, nearly 15,000 student-musicians have played in the yearly concert series, committing themselves to at least one rehearsal a week until the final performances. “The exceptional talent of over 600 of our students will be showcased in this world-class venue, including a special pre-concert at 6:30 p.m. that will feature about 100 children from our third-grade classes," said Brad Van Patten, IUSD's coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts. "In addition, our high school students will be under the direction of Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe, the choral director of USC, and Maxim Eshkenazy, assistant director of the Pacific Symphony.” Of course, the concert is named in recognition of the generosity of philanthropist Donald Bren. Under his leadership, the Donald Bren Foundation and the Irvine Company have provided more than $200 million to support education, including a $20 million gift to preserve art, music and science programs in IUSD. In addition to serving as an incredible performance opportunity for students – and giving the rest of us an incredible show – the Donald Bren Honors Concert also generates funds to support music education, according to Neda Zaengle, IPSF’s chief executive officer. “The Donald Bren Honors Concert represents an outstanding effort by donors, parents, music instructors, students and members of the community to provide, preserve and expand outstanding music programs for kids in our schools,” Zaengle said. Ticket prices start at $25. Premium VIP tickets are available from the Irvine Public Schools Foundation, while general admission tickets must be purchased through the Orange County Performing Arts Center box office. Note that tickets may be purchased the evening of the concert, if available. For more information, contact IPSF at 949-263-8340 or visit www.ipsf.net.