Vocal focus from CCMN*
Southern CA Vocal Events
Lauri D. Goldenhersh’s Weekly Highlights
Are you ready for some turkey (or Tofurkey, or Turducken… or maybe just pie?)
Thanksgiving is looming, which means that this column covers the next two weeks, and the calendar is full to bursting.
While pianist YUJA WANG is getting top billing on the LA PHIL’s concerts this weekend, the program actually also includes the world premiere of Karawane by former LA maestro ESA-PEKKA SALONEN. With a beefed-up LA MASTER CHORALE and the ever-present “what will she wear?” question regarding Ms. Wang, this highly anticipated concert will enjoy full crowds, but last-minute tix will be worth seeking. Click for details
Speaking of LAMC, their ‘Carol Bus’ starts touring on Thanksgiving weekend, with tickets available for riding along, and free “pop-up” concerts all along the way. Basic info is on our calendar and their website, or learn more with our recent “Scoop” about this unusual new outreach venture: click here
Further north this Saturday and Sunday, 11/21 & 22, the SANTA BARBARA MASTER CHORALE performs Mendelssohn’s Elijah, one of the most dramatic oratorios in the realm. Featuring soloists CANTOR MARK CHILDS (Elijah), EDUARDO VILLA (tenor), CHRISTINE HOLLINGER (soprano) and DANIELLE MARCELLE BOND (alto), the story includes plenty of praying for rain — we know plenty about that. Get details and ticket info
Sunday afternoon/evening, the month of All Souls continues with the annual Evening Prayer and concert at CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS. The Cathedral Choir, led by FRANK BROWNSTEAD, will perform the Fauré Requiem, accompanied by organist SAMUEL SORIA, and this free event attracts large crowds each year — no tickets are required. Be early, take advantage of public transportation if you can, or read ahead about parking, so you can arrive fresh and ready to enjoy the service and the music. Click here
Of course, there’s opera all around, with Bellini’s exquisite Norma bringing its horrifying Druidic tale to LA OPERA’s stage, opening Saturday night. We tweeted from the dress rehearsal Wednesday night, and the singing is truly extraordinary. (The production looks great, too!) Read our oohs and aahs from the tweet seats by checking out our feed on Twitter
If you’re more in a serial mood (instead of cereal), catch Alban Berg’s Lulu on Saturday morning, broadcast live to movie theaters all over the world, from The Met in NYC. Click here
Thanksgiving weekend, if you’re not into (or done with) shopping, there is much music to be had, including a duo appearance by opera stars VITTORIO GRIGOLO and DIANA DAMRAU at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica on Sun 11/29.
Here’s hoping you have much give thanks for, and that the kick-off to your holiday season is smooth and festive. Feast well, cheer loudly, and thank you, as always, for supporting live singing!
Continuing
Thru 11/22 — Faust, Redlands Opera Theatre
Thru 11/22 — Hopscotch, The Industry (LA)
Thru 11/28 — Jake Heggie’s Moby-Dick, LA Opera (LA)
