Vocal focus from CCMN*
SOUTHERN CA VOCAL EVENTS
Lauri D. Goldenhersh’s
Weekly Highlights
What a week!
The calendar holds everything from the lyrical (Massenet’s ‘Thais‘ at LA OPERA, starring PLACIDO DOMINGO) to the terribly grand (the world-class glory of DMITRI HVOROSTOVSKY‘S unforgettable tones) to the brand-new (the highly anticipated world premiere of ‘The Radio Hour‘ with PACIFIC CHORALE). But let’s look at some of the events in between:
DE ANGELIS VOCAL ENSEMBLE brings us the beautifully oxymoronic ‘Modern Madrigal‘ in San Juan Capistrano. Though most people associate the term with lovely gems of centuries ago, this crackerjack chorus will perform contemporary madrigals by Lauridsen, Barber, Finney and Fine… and a fine concert it will be. (Forgive the pun — couldn’t resist.) Get details and tickets by clicking here.
Beloved and respected organist/conductor JAMES VAIL plays his swan song this weekend, as the spring concert with the musicians at Pacific Palisades Presbyterian will be his last at that venue — his will retire from his position as music director next month. This program of French music features luscious choral and organ music plus art songs, opera arias and Debussy’s ‘L’Enfant prodigue‘, a cantata setting of the parable of the prodigal son. It’s quite a send-off, with exceptional soloists and instrumental ensemble, all performing repertoire that will make any Francophile’s heart go pitter-pat. Vail’s leadership in terms of taste and artistic excellence have been an important part of the local landscape for many years, and we hope this retirement will offer him some well-deserved goofing off. All the best, Jim! Be there to wish him well — click for more info.
This Saturday and next, the MANSFIELD CHAMBER SINGERS present ‘Ere This Time‘, two temporally-themed concerts featuring an interesting mix of choral works from Bach, Brahms and Bruckner, melded with Stephen Chatman’s ‘Time Pieces‘, Paul Aitken’s ‘Flanders Fields‘, Alice Parker’s setting excerpts of Martin Luther’s King’s ‘A Sermon from the Mountain‘ and more, including ‘Prayer at Easter‘ by the group’s director, KENNETH WELLS. Both concerts are in Santa Monica, but at two different venues. Get details here
You may also want to check out Gilbert & Sullivan’s ‘The Goldoliers‘ at SIERRA MADRE PLAYHOUSE; at least two different Evensongs on Sunday; and spring concerts by LA CHILDREN’S CHORUS and a variety of choral groups. (‘Tis the other season, so no staying home!) Whatever you do, have a wonderful week as you stay cool and prepare for summer.
As always, thank you for supporting live singing!
