A Season to Remember, A Future to Anticipate

Woman sitting at piano with red shirt and black jacket

Update from the General Manager
April 16, 2025

As we reflect on the 2024–2025 season at Soka Performing Arts Center, our hearts are full of gratitude—for the artists who graced our stage, for the music that moved us, and most of all, for you, our dedicated audience who bring the arts to life with your presence and passion.

This season, we experienced unforgettable moments—from the legendary Dionne Warwick and the soul-stirring Blind Boys of Alabama, to world-class pianists Emanuel Ax, Garrick Ohlsson, and Nikolai Lugansky. We welcomed back the brilliance of Pacific Symphony and marveled at genre-defying collaborations like Kurt Elling’s tribute to Weather Report with Peter Erskine and The Yellowjackets. From the intimate beauty of Angela Hewitt and Randall Goosby to the energy of Klezmer, Celtic Christmas, and our delightful children’s programs with Kids Imagine Nation and Bob Baker Marionettes—each performance was a celebration of artistic excellence and shared experience.

Behind the curtain, our commitment to diverse, meaningful programming continues to grow. This season’s lineup was a testament to the power of live performance to connect cultures, generations, and ideas. Whether it was the transformative jazz of Terence Blanchard & the E-Collective, the timeless elegance of Madama Butterfly, or the community joy of OUR HOUSE: The Music of CSNY, we saw how the arts can speak to every part of the human journey.

As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 season, we are inspired to continue this journey with you. Plans are already underway for a new year of remarkable artistry, fresh perspectives, and continued community connection. We can’t wait to unveil what’s next—and to welcome you back for another season of discovery, wonder, and joy.

Until then, thank you for being part of our Soka Performing Arts Center family.

We look forward to seeing you next season to LISTEN. FEEL. TRANSFORM.

 

Renee Bodie, General Manager

Soka Performing Arts Center