After 14 years, this is Grant Gershon’s last season at LA Opera. With Conlon’s contract extended and a new baton-wielder from Columbia taking over as Resident Conductor, there are big changes afoot. No announcement yet as to who will take over as chorusmaster, a role which Mr. Gershon also holds through this 2021-22 season. But … Read more
One of several mid- to large presenting orgs in SoCal’s vocal universe, the Los Angeles Master Chorale’s announcement this week is a welcome sign that plans are moving forward. With a robust season (if a delayed restart of gigs with the LA Phil) and some exciting new projects, this is a season to watch, and … Read more
When a relatively new nonprofit board creates an Executive Director position, it’s a big day, and a sign they’re ready for some serious growth. That seems to be the case for one of our most exciting choral organizations, and we wait for more news of programs and changes with great anticipation. No doubt there’s more … Read more
Californians from the Arts shares news from the state capitol: Governor Newsom has made a big announcement today, and one that is sure to send arts orgs and others scrambling to make and change plans. While most previous announcements seemed to focus on opening performances in the fall, the state’s updated plan to reopen businesses … Read more
The Music Center’s annual festival, rather than shutting down as the pandemic continues, will be available as a virtual experience in April, making it possible to not only continue an important decades-old tradition, but to open up the festival and its workshops and activities to a wider public audience. Please help spread the word about … Read more
News from LBO… with a new artistic chief who brings with him a reputation for innovative production and stellar multidisciplinary mashups. Sounds like a great fit to us — this should be fun! See the press release below: Long Beach Opera appoints JAMES DARRAH Artistic Director and Chief Creative Officer Darrah makes his Long Beach … Read more
With vaccinations taking place at an increasingly rapid clip and even arts orgs looking for performance realities that work, the season announcements are starting to roll in. Here’s one from San Diego, mixing their annual concert, a drive-in opera and the production of The Barber of Seville postponed from last season’s COVID-related shutdown. This is … Read more
Good weather isn’t the only reason to love living in SoCal right now. With at least three companies (so far) diving into drive-in opera, it’s really good to see these companies succeed. The first to announce, San Diego Opera, started their run of La bohème performances in late October, and with a little distance, can … Read more
If ever a bright spot was going to be welcome, it’s now. Here’s a little state update from Californians for the Arts. Please consider joining this organization, as they fight for what we do every day. See the press release below: This Just In: Funding for the Arts Protected Thanks to everyone who sent in … Read more
In an LA County-mandated move that has one of the most sweeping impacts on the arts in the current pandemic, The Music Center has announced closure of all four performance venues, at least through March 31st. Further changes and/or closures will depend on how the virus situation progresses, but this abundance of caution (one of … Read more
