As Segerstrom Center for the Arts celebrates the 50th anniversary of its beloved Candlelight Concert on Dec. 6—with a surprise headlining performer—we’re taking a look back at how the black-tie fundraiser has evolved over the last five decades.
Elite OC Productions set the stage for Candlelight Concert in 2023; PHOTO BY BEN LIEBENBERG
Thomas N. Moon, Gordon L. Hodge, Ruth Ding and a small group of fellow dreamers launched Candlelight Concert in 1974, transforming the vacant Kresge store in Orange into an enchanting ballroom. The fundraiser supported what was then known as the Orange County Cultural Center, Inc. The stark Kresge space was lit with candles—a nod to the event’s name—and Carmen Dragon provided entertainment with The Glendale Symphony, Orange County’s Master Chorale and the Trinity United Presbyterian Chancel Choir.
Throughout the late ’70s, ’80s and early ’90s, Candlelight Concert was held at the Disneyland Hotel and the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Florence Schumacher chaired the event from 1978 to 1985, and in 1986, Segerstrom Center for the Arts officially opened its doors in Costa Mesa. Carol Wilken chaired the Candlelight Concert from 1986 to 1988 before passing the torch to Ciel Woodman from 1989 to 1991.
Susan and Tim Strader wore their best holiday attire at Candlelight Concert in 1985; PHOTO COURTESY OF SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
After many years of performances by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Pacific Chorale and Master Chorale, the headliners for Candlelight Concert found a new home in Segerstrom Hall. 1996 marked the first year the event was held on the 8,500-square-foot stage, elevating the fete into an iconic gathering featuring a red-carpet reception, elegant supper and a private concert.
The stars that headlined Candlelight Concert began to burn brighter in 1998. Tony Bennett was the first solo performer, followed by icons such as Diana Krall (2001), Kenny Loggins (2002), Natalie Cole (2005), Diana Ross (2008), Donna Summer (2009) and Smokey Robinson (2010).
The late Ellie Gordon with Michael Gordon at Candlelight Concert in 2000; PHOTO COURTESY OF SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
In 2013, Candlelight Concert celebrated its 40th anniversary with hometown heroes, the Beach Boys. Diana Krall returned to headline Candlelight in 2015, alongside KC and the Sunshine Band, and the A-listers continued to roll in throughout the 2010s—from Michael Bolton and Chicago (2017) to Steve Martin and The Revolution (2019).
Britt Meyer, Elizabeth Segerstrom and Carol Perry; PHOTO BY LAUREN HILLARY
While Candlelight Concert was canceled for the first time in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event returned in all its glittering glory in 2021. Elizabeth Segerstrom, wife of the late Henry T. Segerstrom, served as the honorary chair, alongside event chairs Britt Meyer and Carol Perry, and the legendary Andrea Bocelli performed.
Following in the footsteps of her mother, Julianne Argyros—who served as an honorary event chair in 1998 and 2010—Stephanie Argyros will co-chair the 2024 Candlelight Concert for the first time. Stephanie will chair the event with John Ginger, who joined the Segerstrom Center for the Arts board in 2010 and served as its chairman from 2015 to 2017. Segerstrom Hall will once again host the black tie affair, but details on the award-winning performer and theme remain a surprise—though our sources confirm it’s sure to be a night to remember in Orange County for years to come.
Photography by:
