Widely recognized for his vocal talents, George Takei has been a guest narrator with numerous symphony orchestras. Takei is thrilled to be returning to the stage with conductor Michael Barrett. In July 2018, Takei joined the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by maestro Barrett in singing and performing the role of Pangloss in “Auto-da-fe” from Leonard Bernstein’s operetta Candide at Wolf Trap’s “Bernstein at 100” celebration.
In October 2019, Takei was guest narrator with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conducted by Benjamin Northey commemorating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. In February 2012, Takei narrated “A Survivor from Warsaw” with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra conducted by Philip Mann. He narrated “Sci-Fi Spectacular” with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in June 2012, Toronto Symphony Orchestra in May 2012, Detroit Symphony Orchestra in March 2012, Kansas City Symphony in January 2012,Naples (Florida) Philharmonic Orchestra in January 2011,Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in July 2010, Cleveland Orchestra in August 2009, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra in April 2009, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in January 2009, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in January 2008, and Seattle Symphony in September 2007. All “Sci-Fi” concerts were conducted by Jack Everly. Takei narrated “Look to the Future” with the San Francisco Symphony in July 2009. In February 2008, Takei hosted “To Boldly Go” with the Minnesota Orchestra conducted by Sarah Hatsuko Hicks. In November 2004, Takei narrated Copeland’s Lincoln Portrait with the Honolulu Symphony conducted by Samuel Wong. He has narrated Johan de Meij’s Symphony No. 1: The Lord of the Rings with the Springfield, Mass., Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kevin Rhodes as well as with the Long Island Philharmonic, Denver Symphony Orchestra, Orange County California Wind Orchestra, and the Imperial Symphony Orchestra of Lakeland, Florida, all conducted by David Warble.