Irvine Symphony Orchestra

City officials concede that Stanton hasn't been known as a place that attracts top musical shows, but they're working this year to fill what they see as a cultural void. Working with the Kingsmen, a local drum and bugle corps, city officials are trying to convince the Irvine Symphony Orchestra and the Irvine Conservatory of Music to relocate to Stanton.

City officials concede that Stanton hasn't been known as a place that attracts top musical shows, but they're working this year to fill what they see as a cultural void. Working with the Kingsmen, a local drum and bugle corps, city officials are trying to convince the Irvine Symphony Orchestra and the Irvine Conservatory of Music to relocate to Stanton.

OK, let's start off with the good thing about Bob Hope's show Saturday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center: The performance was a benefit(for the Irvine Symphony Orchestra), extending the entertainer's reputation as "Mr. Humanitarian." But as for another of Hope's titles--"the King of Comedy"--well, that was an entirely different matter.

A good thing came in threes Thursday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center with the appearance of Joe Pass, George Shearing and Joe Williams in a program billed as "A Gathering of Friends." The concert was presented as part of the Irvine Symphony Orchestra's Performing Arts Center Series. Pass opened solo with a playful, yet polished, presentation of standards.

The current celebration of the 300th anniversary of Handel's birth continues to bring us his neglected masterpieces. A case in point is the oratorio "Solomon," to be performed by the Irvine Symphony Orchestra and the UC Irvine Concert and Alumni Choirs under the direction of Joseph Huszti Saturday at 8 p.m. at the South Coast Community Church in Irvine. Written seven years after "Messiah," "Solomon" falls between the also rarely heard "Joshua" and "Susanna."

The future of a nonprofit organization that has provided low-cost music lessons and public performances in the city for 20 years is in jeopardy after being forced to close its doors to students amid a lease dispute. Soon after spending most of its funds to move to the Airport Business Center on July 30, the Irvine Conservatory of Music was barred by the city from offering classes there because of zoning and fire code restrictions.

Conductors of two Orange County orchestras view their upcoming fall seasons as periods for consolidating gains before venturing into new territory. "We're holding our own and are conscious of what we can accomplish with the budget we have," said Roger Hickman, newly appointed conductor of the 8-year-old Irvine Symphony Orchestra, which will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday at the South Coast Community Church in Irvine.

After 12 years of planning and numerous attempts to gain enough fiscal backing, the City of Irvine is expected to start construction of a $9.5-million, 750-seat performing arts theater next year at UC Irvine. The last major obstacle was cleared this week when the City Council voted 4-1 to authorize an $8-million bond issue to finance the Irvine Performing Arts Theatre. The initial $1.5-million bond issue was approved in 1974.

The ice--a one-sixteenth scale frozen replica of Miss Liberty--was hot stuff: The unveiling, a few hours after that of her more durable sister on Liberty Island in New York, was for many the climax of the Newport Harbor Art Museum's "Liberty Celebration," Thursday night at the Newporter Resort. The fireworks display, on the other hand, was cooled by high winds. Bombs burst intermittently in air above the Back Bay.

The festivities that start Thursday morning will continue through the weekend across Orange County. Here is a roundup of the parades, carnivals and fireworks: JULY 4 * ALISO VIEJO. Fourth of July celebration begins at noon with children's activities, food and carnival games, ending with fireworks at 9 p.m., Foxborough Park, Deerhurst and Foxborough. Free. Information: (714) 362-5890. * ANAHEIM. Disneyland's expanded fireworks show, rides, shows and attractions. Park is open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.