We’ve dubbed this weekend’s performance by the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra a “hidden gem” not because they’re entirely hidden, but because they’re surprisingly little-known in the vocal community. While this newish ensemble has gained quite a respectable following going into their third season, their focus is understandably on instrumental music most of the time, and too many vocal types may not yet be familiar with them.
But this week, we have the perfect excuse to get more familiar. “LA’s Conductorless Orchestra” includes Barber’s captivating Knoxville, Summer of 1915 on the very American program for election week, matching this modern classic with Barber’s indelible Adagio for Strings, Copland’s Music for the Theater, and the this-coast premiere of Clint Needham‘s When We Forget. “Knoxville” will be sung by soprano Maria Valdes, and while the ensemble works proudly without a herder, a little guidance is still available for the audience: be sure to show up early, as a pre-concert talk takes place a half-hour before all of their concerts.
One of the other unusual features of this org’s events is that tickets are “pay what you can” — a relatively new model that KCO adopted this year, allowing them to open their concerts to anyone interested. As pros know, however, that label should be taken literally: if you can help, please do, and pitch in a little extra when things are going well for you. More information about their ticket policies are available in the FAQ section on their website.
Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra
Saturday, November 5, 8pm
Glendale City Church
610 E. California Avenue
Glendale, CA 91206
Sunday, November 6, 3pm
First Presbyterian Church
1220 2nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Tickets
Pay what you can
