Pacific Serenades

JAVCA Foundation is proud to support Pacific Serenades as the cornerstone of our outreach and public engagement efforts in music. 
 

Pacific Serenades was founded by Prof. Mark Carlson, Ph.D., in 1982, from his vision as a UCLA graduate student in composition and professional flutist, who observed a vibrant, distinct musical landscape emerging among Los Angeles composers—diverging from the East Coast's perceived dominance in classical music. Recognizing that much of the classical repertoire originated from works commissioned for specific occasions, the organization was founded to provide a dedicated platform for local talents to freely compose music emphasizing melody, tonality, and eclectic influences. By presenting these new pieces alongside beloved standard chamber music repertoire, performed by exceptional local musicians, Pacific Serenades championed innovative yet accessible works. From its inaugural concert in 1982 to 2025, the series commissioned and premiered an impressive 115 original compositions, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of chamber music.