Vocal focus from CCMN*
SOUTHERN CA VOCAL EVENTS Lauri D. Goldenhersh’s Weekly Highlights
See the drama?
There’s a surprising number of opera performances this month, all including either new and unusual repertoire or a brand-new company:
This Friday, 8/8, Cuatro Corridos comes to Zipper Hall in DTLA, combining the music of four composers to address human trafficking and raise funds for the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles. Grammy-winning soprano SUSAN NARUCKI headlines the event, with accompaniment by guitar, piano and percussion. For more details and a link to purchase tickets online, click here
For those with a more theatrical bent, The Cave blends folk music with an award-winning play to meld fairy tales and myths in an exotic opium den setting. There’s just one more performance in this run in Hollywood. This “folk opera” probably isn’t what true buffs will expect, but it’s nothing if not operatic. Learn more
This weekend and next mark the debut of a new company in town, as BLACK TIE OPERA launches with community performances of the beloved Hansel and Gretel in Studio City and Whittier. This new troupe plans to offer mainly private performances (i.e. yes, you can hire them!), but this is a prime opportunity to see what they’re all about. Learn more
Also coming up in the next couple of weeks: the PHILIPPINE CHAMBER SINGERS come to Disney Hall to celebrate their 10th anniversary; an open invitation to join the choir retreat with the SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHORAL COMPANY; three concerts from THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN, for a summery barbershop vibe; and ‘From Pastures to Planets’, a concert for clarinet, soprano and piano in North Hollywood. Check the calendar for more info on these are more.
One more — the last unSUNg of the season!
It’s been a wonderful summer, and our final unSUNg concert for the year comes on August 17 in Glendale: Join us for songs for voice and piano from MARK ABEL, voice and ensemble by STEVEN SNOWDEN and voice and guitar by ALAN DUFF BERMAN, as well as excerpts from two operas, shape shifter by DIANE LINDSAY and The Pearl (based on Steinbeck’s telling of the classic tale) by DAVID AVSHALOMOV. Come to St. Mark’s Church in Glendale, starting at 6pm, and be sure to stay for the reception after the concert. Tickets, maps and more information are available by visiting the unSUNg website
Remember — both CCMN and Next 7 are published every other week into mid-September. Be sure to send your concert notices early, so we can include you!
We’ll see you soon, but in the meantime, chase the shade, have a wonderful summer, and thank you for supporting live singing!
