Parnassus Society at Soka Performing Arts Center

Parnassus Society has been honored to call the Soka Performing Arts Center our artistic home. With its breathtaking acoustics, stunning architecture, and mission to “engage, educate, and elevate the human spirit,” Soka has become the ideal setting for us to share the transformative power of opera and classical music. None of this would be possible without the vision and generosity of Dr. Kenneth and Mrs. Sandra Tokita, whose leadership and steadfast belief in the role of the arts in enriching community life have helped establish Soka as one of Southern California’s most treasured cultural venues.

It is within this space that the collaboration with Soka Performing Arts Center and the Parnassus Society has flourished. Together, we have brought world-class artists and emerging talents to the stage, creating performances that not only inspire but also connect audiences to the timeless human spirit that classical music and opera uniquely embody. The partnership between the Tokitas, Soka, and Parnassus Society represents a shared devotion to excellence, education, and the nurturing of community through music. We are grateful to continue this journey, expanding and deepening our programming in ways that reflect the Tokitas’ legacy of vision, generosity, and love for the arts.

Soka Performing Arts Center is located on the hilltop campus of Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo. Its 1,032-seat Concert Hall, designed by renowned acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota, offers world-class sound comparable to the finest halls in the world, while the 350-seat Black Box Theatre provides an intimate and versatile setting. Since opening in 2011, the center has presented more than 800 performances, from classical and jazz to world and contemporary music. With acclaimed series such as the Great Pianists Series, Children’s Concerts, and the Blues Festival, Soka has become a cultural jewel of Orange County—beloved by artists and audiences alike. Parnassus Society is proud to contribute regularly to Soka’s Great Pianists Series, chamber music programming, and operatic offerings, further enriching the vibrant artistic life of this extraordinary venue.