If you’ve been around Southern California for awhile, you may remember a sublimely talented baritone named Babatunde Akinboboye (known to some of us back then as Bobby) who appeared with a variety of organizations in the early 2000s and beyond. The first time I heard him sing was with the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers, and … Read more
Through the combined efforts of the LA Master Chorale, MUSE/IQUE and a generous private grant from local arts philanthropists Terri and Jerry Kohl as well as Bryant, Judi and Debra Danner, a new project called “LA Sings” got its debut at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sunday night. Though it feels closely related to the … Read more
I’m spending a few days with family, and my clan enjoys the diversity of a lot of different musical tastes. We share a lot of things… but not a clear definition of what is “good music”. (It makes for some fun discussions.) Our pro-focused Facebook group has also engaged in some lively discussion recently about … Read more
It’s not an address, but it is an intersection. It’s the balls-out season opener from LA Chamber Orchestra, in which artistic director Jaime Martín pairs Beethoven’s beloved Symphony No. 9 (“Choral”), with the West Coast premiere of Both, a newly commissioned orchestral work by enigmatic composer Shelley Washington. It is Washington’s own life’s duality that … Read more
It’s a big week of season finales, with organizations all over the Southland bringing out fun and exciting programs that will welcome summer with gusto. Don’t miss the much-anticipated reboot of one of Mozart’s best operas, as Salastina brings Cosi into a more enlightened time. Be sure to check out your local community choir, and enjoy the wealth of choral music … Read more
We’re spotlighting the Hear Now Music Festival in this week’s event newsletter, and always encourage our readers to support new classical music whenever the opportunity arises. Whether it’s buying a ticket, showing up, volunteering, making a simple donation, or contributing to a commission, these activities help classical evolve into its next, very dynamic phase, and what … Read more
It was good to be back at Walt Disney Concert Hall last Sunday, and with a house that looked about 3/4 full, it seems plenty of other folks were glad to be there for the LA Master Chorale, as well. Starting the concert with “Prayer for Ukraine” by Mykola Lysenko, in a rich and evocative … Read more
There’s so much creativity and exuberance happening in the arts as we find our way back into live performance again. This weekend’s opening of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion from LA Opera is an outrageously marvelous example, mixing oratorio, opera, ballet and more to help us think of one of history’s most spectacular sacred masterworks in … Read more
Boo humbug! I used to believe that Halloween isn’t for everyone. But as the holiday seems to get bigger every year, it’s clear I was wrong. There are hundreds of ways to celebrate this unique holiday, that celebrates very old traditions instead of commemorating a single event or individual. This year, we see arts organizations … 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