Arts & Entertainment

Gunn to Support Youth Concerts through 2027

Long Beach Symphony announced that Linda L. Gunn, philanthropist and business owner of Gunn Jerkens, a full-service marketing communications agency in Long Beach, will fund the annual Youth Concerts through the 2027 season. This generous support, made possible by the Linda L. Gunn Music Education Fund, ensures the continuation of a beloved tradition that has been bringing music to young students for over four decades.

The Long Beach Symphony Youth Concerts provide an invaluable opportunity for approximately 12,000 fourth- and fifth-grade students from the Long Beach Unified School District to experience live orchestral performances at the Long Beach Terrace Theater each year. Long Beach Symphony musicians are joined on stage by the 100-member, All-District High School Honor Orchestra or Choir, who gain unsurpassed training and professional peer coaching.

Since its inception, the Youth Concerts program has reached nearly 1 million children for which the symphony has been actively seeking funding since 2022 to sustain this vital initiative.

Cindy Costello, chairman of the Long Beach Symphony Board of Directors, expressed her gratitude: “The symphony is extremely grateful to Linda Gunn for her shared vision and commitment to music education. Her generous three-year gift ensures that the symphony will continue providing this important music program for our schools and our community.”

Linda Gunn shared her enthusiasm for the program: “As a passionate supporter of our city’s educational and music institutions, I felt compelled to step up when I learned about this vital program’s funding dilemma. I wanted to support bringing young children to hear a world-class orchestra, which also invites high school music students from across the city to perform side-by-side with some of the finest musicians in Southern California.”

“As a pillar of our music education department and a key recruitment initiative for Long Beach Unified School District’s robust music program, Linda Gunn is our collective hero. Because of her generosity, 36,000 Long Beach children will continue to be inspired and educated over the next three years.” stated Kelly Ruggirello, president of Long Beach Symphony.

Long Beach Symphony looks forward to continuing its impactful work in the community, thanks to the generosity of Linda L. Gunn. The Youth Concerts will thrive as a cornerstone of the Symphony’s mission to foster a love of music and provide enriching experiences for young audiences.

LBS Presents Beach Boys

The Long Beach Symphony (LBS) will transport audiences back to the golden era of surf, sun and sand with Endless Summer’s “Beach Boys Experience.” Celebrating the launch of its 90th season, on Saturday, Sept. 28, LBS will bring the timeless music of The Beach Boys to life at the Long Beach Arena, blending the classic rock harmonies and sounds with the rich, full orchestration that only a symphony can provide.

Under the baton of Morihiko Nakahara, Endless Summer will deliver a “totally chill” evening of music that captures the essence of California’s most beloved rock band. Audiences will be treated to a symphonic journey through The Beach Boys’ greatest hits with the likes of chart-toppers “Good Vibrations,” “Surfin’ USA,” “California Girls,” and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” that defined a generation.

The Beach Boys have been celebrated for over five decades as pioneers of the California sound, with their lush harmonies, uplifting spirit and timeless appeal. There’s no better way to culminate the 2024 summer than with this concert that will pay tribute to their groundbreaking contributions to music and also showcase the orchestral arrangements in bringing new life to these classic songs.

“The renowned harmonies of The Beach Boys are present in this unique fusion of rock and symphony,” said Kelly Ruggirello, President of Long Beach Symphony. “Our audience will experience the music they love in a new and powerful way while enjoying picnicking and dancing, honoring The Beach Boys’ enduring legacy.”

Tickets for this concert start at $35. The full Pops 5-concert series subscription starts at just $104 and includes access to 50% off parking, exchangeable tickets and a dining discount card. Visit https://aabn.short.gy/QIs5qo or call at (562) 436-3203, ext. 1.

RuMBa Family Concert

On Sunday, Oct. 6, children and their families will enjoy an afternoon of music, dance, crafts and interactive activities as Long Beach Symphony presents the RuMBa Foundation Family Concert, A Magical Musical Kingdom at the Terrace Theater and Plaza. KIDS GET IN FREE!

Family activities will take place from 1-3 p.m. and 4-5 p.m. The concert, conducted by Long Beach Symphony Music Director Eckart Preu, will take place from 3-4 p.m.

Reservations and tickets available at https://aabn.short.gy/dfSYy9

The RuMBa Foundation Family Concert, a lively and interactive musical event designed for young audiences, will be a fun-filled afternoon of exploration as it delivers a lifetime of memories. With Music Director Eckart Preu at the helm, children of all ages will enjoy music from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Aladdin, Wizard of Oz, Toy Story and Frozen. They will also experience a fun and interactive introduction to classics like Grieg and Tchaikovsky (did we mention ballet dancers?)!

“This concert is all about bringing families together to enjoy fun and engaging kid-friendly music,” said Kelly Ruggirello, President of Long Beach Symphony. “We want to create an experience that is both educational and entertaining where children and adults alike can discover beauty, excitement and exploration.”

The RuMBa Family Concert is the perfect way to introduce children to the world of orchestral music while enjoying a lively, culturally rich and age-appropriate performance. We invite families throughout the community to join us for this unforgettable event.