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Conductor Jung-Ho Pak leads the Monterey Symphony this weekend as the third finalist competing this season for the position of the orchestra's new music director.   The organization celebrates its 75th anniversary this year with four subscription concerts dedicated to finding a new artistic leader.  Pak will conduct two performances of his program this weekend at Carmel's Sunset Center, which features music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Brahms.

"I'm very much looking forward to working with the wonderful musicians of the Monterey Symphony once again," says Pak.   His memorable appearance with the orchestra in 2019 included Chinese composer Tan Dun's exotic Water Concerto.  Pak's program includes Beethoven's Egmont Overture, Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor and Brahms's Symphony No. 2 in D Major.  Violinist Rachel Barton Pine joins the ensemble as the soloist for the concerto.

Pak is the only one of the four conductor finalists who makes his home here on the Monterey Peninsula.

"I often conduct elsewhere around the world," he says. "So, it's a rare pleasure and privilege to be able to share my music-making with my hometown community. The entire Monterey Bay is the most beautiful place in the world, and it enjoys an equally beautiful orchestra."

About the soloist, he comments, "I can't wait to work with violinist Rachel Barton Pine for the first time. We've heard so much about each other over the years, and it's going to be a real coming together of two people who have dedicated their (lives) to make their careers in classical music exciting and accessible for everyone."

Since 2007, Pak has been the artistic director and conductor of the Cape Symphony in Massachusetts.  Under his leadership, this orchestra recently collaborated with the Monterey Symphony's composer-in-residence John Wineglass, who composed a work for its Mayflower and Beyond concert.

Pak also serves as artistic advisor and conductor of the Fremont Symphony. As conductor of the San Diego Symphony, he is credited with guiding the organization from bankruptcy to financial success.  He has held leadership positions with many other ensembles, including the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Orchestra, the World Youth Symphony Orchestra at the Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Emmy-nominated Disney Young Musicians Symphony. He has guest conducted in Europe, Russia, South America and Asia. His television and radio appearances include TED Talks and NPR appearances.

Pine is considered a leading interpreter of classic and contemporary works and is known for her dazzling technique and infectious joy in making music.  She has appeared with prestigious ensembles including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Camerata Salzburg and the Vienna and Detroit Symphony Orchestras.  She has also recorded extensively, including with preeminent orchestras such as the Academy of St Martin in the Fields.

Performances take place at Carmel's Sunset Center Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

On Saturday, the Monterey Symphony's Fourth Annual Women's Night Out takes place on the upper terrace of the Sunset Center. Tickets include both the Women's Night Out pre-concert party and the Monterey Symphony concert directly following the party.

With your ticket purchase, women will receive drink vouchers, small bites, music, gift bags, and more from 6–7:30 p.m.

Health and Safety Protocols: See Monterey Symphony's website for policies regarding COVID-19 and performances https://www.montereysymphony.org/faq-health-safety-protocols.htm. For tickets and more information, call 831-646-8511 or see www.montereysymphony.org.