Segerstrom Center Announces First-Ever Artist in Residence, Launches New Cultural Initiative in Orange County

Orange County’s arts scene just took a meaningful step forward.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts has officially announced its first-ever Artist in Residence, naming GRAMMY-winning composer, pianist, and bandleader Arturo O’Farrill to the role. The announcement marks the launch of a broader cultural initiative aimed at celebrating and expanding Hispanic and Latino arts across Orange County.

The residency and accompanying programming are part of the Center’s 40th anniversary season and signal a long-term commitment to more inclusive, community-driven cultural experiences.

A New Era for Arts and Culture in Orange County

At the center of this initiative is the introduction of the Artist in Residence program, with Arturo O’Farrill leading the way. A six-time GRAMMY Award winner and founder of the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, O’Farrill is widely recognized for blending Afro-Latin rhythms with jazz and contemporary composition.

His residency will bring a range of programming to Orange County, including:

• Live performances and concerts

• New artistic commissions

• Educational programs and master classes

• Community collaborations and events

Rather than a one-time appearance, this is designed as an ongoing presence that connects artists more directly with the local community.

Introducing ¡VIVA! The Spenuzza Series

Alongside the residency, Segerstrom Center is launching ¡VIVA! The Spenuzza Series, a new lineup of performances and cultural programming celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.

The series spans multiple disciplines, including:

• Music and jazz

• Dance and ballet

• Theater and Broadway-style productions

• Family-friendly programming

The goal is to highlight both traditional and contemporary expressions of Hispanic and Latino culture while making these experiences more accessible to audiences across Orange County.

What to Expect: Performances and Programming

The upcoming season will feature a diverse mix of performances tied to both the residency and the ¡VIVA! series.

Highlights include:

• Arturo O’Farrill performing with the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

• Ballet Folklórico de México

• Ballet Hispánico productions

• Buena Vista Social Club performances

• Special events like Rumba Para Monk Revisited and Copacabana Nights

In addition to performances, the initiative will include:

• Student and youth engagement programs

• Community-focused cultural events

• Artist residencies and workshops

This combination of performance and education is designed to create a more immersive and lasting cultural impact.

Why This Matters for Orange County

While Orange County has long been home to a growing arts community, this initiative represents a more intentional investment in cultural diversity and representation.

By centering Hispanic and Latino voices—an essential part of Southern California’s identity—Segerstrom Center is expanding both the scope and accessibility of its programming.

It also positions the Center as a hub not just for performances, but for cultural exchange, education, and community connection.

Looking Ahead

The Artist in Residence program and ¡VIVA! The Spenuzza Series will roll out throughout the upcoming season, with performances, events, and programming scheduled across the year.

For Orange County locals, it’s something worth keeping on your radar—whether you’re a longtime supporter of the arts or simply looking for new cultural experiences to explore.

About Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Located in Costa Mesa, Segerstrom Center for the Arts is one of the premier performing arts venues in Southern California. Known for hosting world-class performances in music, dance, and theater, the Center continues to evolve with new initiatives aimed at reflecting the diversity and creativity of the region.