Vocal focus in the summertime*
Southern CA Vocal Events
Lauri D. Goldenhersh’s Weekly Highlights
When the heat is on, classical music gets serial.
No, for the spelling-challenged (or for those assuming I’m beset by an overconfident Autocorrect feature, which has been known to happen), we are not talking about breakfast food. The summer series is a time-honored tradition that gives presenters a chance to show off their favorite things. (Consciously resisting jokes about feline whiskers and snowdrops. Please wait…)
You probably already know about the amazing offerings at MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST and unSUNg (because, of course, we simply won’t let you forget). But aside from the usual and unusual festival fare that we’re used to seeing each year, be on the lookout for series that lack a big red “Vocal” mark on their logos, but DO offer lovely programming for those who prefer their classical music to include human instruments as well as those played by humans.
For instance:
The 13th annual BEVERLY HILLS INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL features the team of IRIS MALKIN, mezzo-soprano, and LINDA ZOOLALIAN, pianist, performing on August 7, as part of a luxurious program of music from Austria. They’ll perform four of Mozart’s Lieder on a charming mix of a program that also includes Wolfgang’s Duo in G Major for violin and cello (playing a reworking of the part originally scored for viola); Schubert for piano four-hands; and a soulful violin/piano sonata by Ernst Krenek. Check out this program
The duo are also doing far more songs by Fauré, Bellini, Beach and Obradors on the concert slated for 8/10: Click here
Also coming up are the CELTIC CONSORT at Brand Library this Friday 7/29. Have you been there since they reopened? The concert is performed by trio members CHRISTINA LINHARDT (voice), SUSAN CRAIG WINSBERG (flutes) and CAROLYN SYKES (Celtic harp), and the concert will be followed by a chance to get up close to one of music’s most complicated and mystical instruments, with a hands-on harp “petting zoo”. The performance is free, supported by local programs, and more info is available by clicking here
CENTER STAGE OPERA’s 3rd annual vocal competition wraps up on Sat 8/6 [see below]with a final concert, featuring the best of the competitors and continuing a new tradition that is growing, and garnering praise from their SoCal colleagues. There’s nothing better than seeing a local organization support young and emerging artists any way they can, and a competition like this is no easy endeavor. Bravo to all at CSO for taking it on, and best wishes to all of this year’s competitors. Get details on how you can attend the grand finale by clicking here [link removed]
UPDATED: CSO’s vocal competition has been postponed. Stay tuned, and we’ll post the date as soon as it’s confirmed!
And of course, unSUNg continues on 7/31 and 8/21 in Glendale, with our diverse blend of vocal chamber music that even the pros are very unlikely to have heard before. The next concert includes works by STEVE BRAMSON, AMY GORDON, ROCCO HARRIS, CHRISTIAN DUBEAU and ROBERT S. COHEN. Click here
Looking a little further down the road to Mon 8/15, don’t miss the birthday celebration for legendary Met baritone RICHARD FREDRICKS, who will perform the role of Amonasro in a concert version of Aida at the Castle Green in Pasadena. This is a unique opportunity to visit one of SoCal glorious architectural treasures, and to hear many of our local opera talents at work. Tickets are free, but advance reservations are required. And yes, there will be cake! Click here
Finally, please consider attending the choral concert at the Nixon Library on Sun 8/7, performed by the a cappella choir from the Braille Institute. This more than worthy endeavor, part of the institute’s Johnny Mercer Music Program, helps those with visual disabilities experience musical opportunities they might otherwise miss, and changes the lives and perspectives of all involved. You won’t forget it, and might even consider a contribution of your own. Tell a friend, but first, get concert info
Learn more about this astonishing outreach program
The sun isn’t likely to let up soon, but we have the edge, as great Music can soothe even the heat-addled mind. Be sure you’re staying hydrated, and getting plenty of Vitamin M. Whatever the weather, thank you for supporting live singing!
Continuing
Thru 8/6 — MUSIC ACADEMY OF THE WEST
Thru 8/21 — unSUNg: SONGS UNCOMMON AND NEW:
www.laurislist.com/unsung
Schedule note
Through the summer, Lauri’s List will be publishing the Next 7 newsletter approximately every two weeks, instead of each week. Get the enews schedule, including submission deadlines
Check out the Lister Calendar: http://www.laurislist.com/calendar
Send us your event info: events.la@laurislist.com
Subscribe to e-news from the List: http://www.laurislist.com/enews
For the latest issue of Next 7, click: http://www.laurislist.com/Next7
Singerpreneur blog: https://www.singerpreneur.com
Featured image: renata prado / FreeImages.com
*This post is echoed from the weekly vocal events column in the Clickable Chamber Music Newsletter, serving nearly seven thousand music fans all over Southern California. The original is a text-based email newsletter, so images, links and details may differ in this enhanced version.
The Clickable Chamber Music Newsletter and Next 7 are both on summer schedule, publishing every two weeks through August and early September. You can view our schedule here. This year, we’re on alternate weeks with CCMN, so we’ll publish a vocal column every week, in one or the other publication. Of course, we’ll echo it here on the blog, too — easy peasy!
