TORU TAGAWA, GUEST CONDUCTOR

Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Georges DeMeester Performance Center

Or stream the concert live here

Join maestro Toru Tagawa (music director of the Sierra Vista Symphony Orchestra and Tucson Repertory Orchestra), the Tucson Pops Orchestra and phenomenal young violin soloist Carly Cook for spicy Hungarian pieces by Franz Liszt and Vittorio Monti, moving selections from Forrest Gump and Lord of the Rings, and favorites by John Williams, Leroy Anderson, Antonín Dvořák and Aaron Copland. There may also be some rocking around the clock.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and feast on the delights from this week’s food truck roundup.

Our Music Under the Stars concerts are always free!

Toru Tagawa

TUCSON POPS TIPS

COURTESY COUNTS
Pops concerts remain fun and enjoyable for all when we are considerate of our neighbors.

THE GREAT DEBATES
Before the music begins and at the intermission, have a ball! Chat about as many subjects as you like! When the music begins, however, please refrain from talking or creating noise that will inhibit someone's ability to enjoy the music.

THE KENNEL CLUB
It’s probably in the best interest of your best friend to guard your home when you come to the concerts. If, however, your dog stops by to take in Music Under the Stars, make sure that he or she is on a leash at all times. It is a courtesy that you and your dog need to extend to your concert neighbors, not to mention the fact that the law says your dog must be on a leash.

THE GLASS MENAGERIE
For years we’ve invited and encouraged our attendees to bring their favorite foods and beverages to the park. We remind you, though, that glass containers of any kind are prohibited in Tucson city parks. Please observe this important rule for the safety of you and your friends.

THE F.A.A. SMOKING BAN
The Federal Aviation Administration has outlawed smoking on flights of two hours or less. Since our concerts are less than two hours, we hope that you will voluntarily observe the same smoking abstention. If, however, you feel the need to light one up, please feel free to do so … outside the general seating area of our Georges DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center. We also ask that you not smoke near the Friends of the Pops booths, because the T-shirts (and staffers) absorb odors.

SHUTTLES
The Parks and Recreation Department runs shuttles from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from the Randolph Golf Course parking lot, located at 600 S. Alvernon Way.