The Pasadena Philharmonic Orchestra will present award-winning music from celebrated movies as part of a Pops Concert showcase titled “And the Oscar goes to …” May 15 on the San Jacinto College Central Campus.

The Pasadena Philharmonic Society is celebrating its thirty-fourth season of bringing multicultural musical arts to local residents.

Martha Braswell, a Society board member and a Central campus music professor said, “The Philharmonics Society is here to serve this community and offer an outlet for our musicians in the area to participate in, and bring a real sense of cultural heritage through traditional music.”

According to its website, the Pasadena Philharmonic Society is a non-profit organization supporting ensembles of professional artists, students, and selected surrounding schools.

The Society’s president and orchestra’s violin player, Steve Cowart, said the group is funded “by generous private donations, ticket sales, grants, and members of the community.”

Meanwhile, Braswell noted the Central campus music department contributes to the group’s effort through the provision of performance space.

“By allowing the orchestra to use the Slocomb Auditorium, San Jac is fulfilling one of its missions of serving the local community,” Braswell said.

In turn, she added, over the past five years, the Pasadena Philharmonic Society offered support to the College’s Chorale by performing together for various musical concerts.

“It gives the students an opportunity to play in a professional group and environment,” Braswell said. “Our faculty members of the bassoon, trombone and piano have also participated in the symphony.”

Maestro James Park will conduct the Pops Concert featuring music from several celebrated films including The Sound of Music, Schindler’s List, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and much more.

In addition to Oscar-worthy film scores, the concert will showcase music from award-winning composers like John Williams, John Barry, and Irving Berlin.

“We are trying to show the public that we can do popular music and that the universal language of music speaks regardless of style and genre,” Braswell added.

Cowart said the concert, held on the Central campus, allows the orchestra to build lasting relationships with San Jac students.

Meanwhile, Braswell added, that even though the concert takes place after the spring term concludes, “It gives students something past the semester to come in and enjoy.”

The Pasadena Philharmonic Pops Concert takes place May 15 at 3 p.m. in Slocomb Auditorium on the Central campus. Further information is available at www.pasadenaphilharmonic.com.