COSTA MESA - The Orange County Performing Arts Center has released its January 2009 calendar of events. The schedule appears below:

Jan. 3, 8 p.m., Segerstrom Hall: Frankie Vallie and The Four Seasons

Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons return to the Center for one night only. Frankie Valli’s incredible career as a solo artist and with The Four Seasons has produced 19 Top Ten hits and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Possessing one of the most distinctive voices in all of rock ‘n roll, Valli was named longevity champ of the rock era by “Billboard” magazine.

Jan. 3, 8 p.m., Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall: Salute to Vienna

The evening features a cast of more than 70 musicians, international singers and dancers. This year’s performance is conducted by Maestro Florian Krumpock with a program of Viennese waltzes (such as the “Blue Danube Waltz”), polkas and operetta excerpts from “The Merry Widow” and “Die Fledermaus” with the musical classics of Johann Strauss Jr. The performance includes dancers from the Vienna City Ballet performing the “Viennese Waltz.”

Jan. 6-11, Segerstrom Hall: “Stomp”

“Stomp” is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered numerous awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on many national television shows.

The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with fantastic rhythms. You must see what all the noise is about.

Jan. 8-10, Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall: “Brilliant and Dazzling”

The Pacific Symphony opens the New Year with guest conductor Carlos Kalmar at the podium and pianist Freddy Kempf’s brilliant interpretation of Piano Concerto No. 1 by Liszt. The program also includes Symphony No. 38, “Prage” by Mozart; Janacek’s “Taras Bulba” and the Rumanian Rhapsody No. 2 by Enesco.

Jan. 15-17, Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall: Debby Boone Sings Rosemary Clooney

The evening with Debby Boone is actually a fond tribute to her mother-in-law, Rosemary Clooney. The program features the great American standards made famous by Clooney. Boone’s successful career dates back to 1977 when she recorded the hit song, “You Light Up My Life.”

Jan. 15-18, Samueli Theater: John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey

John Pizzarelli is known for his late-night ballads and the cool flavor of his guitar. His stunning wife, Jessica, sings like a morning lark and possesses an equally intrinsic feel for jazz phrasing. Both bring a rare sense of discovery and keen sense of humor to every song they sing. According to “Variety,” “John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey know how to work a room, charm an audience and draw the listener into a musical narrative with both a sense of fun and emotional fervor.”

Jan. 23, 8 p.m., Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall: Los Angeles Philharmonic

The music of Eastern Europe is performed by the world famous Los Angeles Philharmonic, featuring violin superstar Gil Shaham and the up-and-coming French conductor Stephane Deneve. The program includes Rachmanioff’s Symphony Dances, Op. 45; Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto and Stravinsky’s Concerto in E-flat.

Jan. 23-24, Samueli Theater: Blue Note Records 70th Anniversary – On Tour

To mark the 70th anniversary of Blue Note Records, the premier label in jazz, an all-star band featuring some of today’s finest musicians will travel the world celebrating the company’s rich catalog of music. When they stop in at Samueli Theater they will be led by Blue Note Records artist and pianist Bill Charlap, along with Ravi Coltrane, Peter Bernstein, Lewis Nash, Nicholas Payton, Peter Washington and Steve Wilson.

Jan. 24, 2 and 8 p.m., Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall: National Acrobats of China

Direct from China, this dazzling company of 35 performers will mesmerize and mystify with its stunning displays of the best in Chinese martial arts, illusion and acrobatics, all set to traditional music. Founded more than 50 years ago, the troupe has been one of the most influential acrobatic ensembles in the world, having won every important award in international competitions. From plate-spinning to cycling stunts to bench-juggling with their feet, the National Acrobats of China never cease to amaze audiences.

Jan. 28, 8 p.m., Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall

San Francisco’s finest, under the baton of conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, offers an exciting evening of music including Tilson Thomas’ “Street Song for Symphonic Brass,” “Our Town” by Copland and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, Op. 64.

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Published: December 19, 2008 - Volume 7 - Issue 35