Cake optional

Song, Dance and Champagne Bring la Français to LA

In terms of ticket price, Le Salon de Musiques is about middle of the road for this region. But this may well make them one of the best values in town. Their proven performers, intelligent programming and elegant presentation evoke a bygone era, and this week, they bring us the French Baroque, par excellence.

Monika Bruckner‘s rich mezzo tone is joined by Susan Feldman on violin, Leif Thomas on viola da gamba, and Patricia Mabee at the harpsichord. Dancers Linda Tomko and Jill Chadroff will also perform a pantomime as part of the program, which includes works by Rameau, Duphly, Gluck, Grety, Lully, Ferrere…and yes, Marie-Antoinette, the doomed fashion plate whose attributed comment about pastries has undeservedly followed her memory for centuries. All in all, the rich music is plenty pleasurable (without all those nasty calories), but if you still need a snack, l’affaire will be followed by Continental nosh and a reception so you can meet the performers. Vive la France!