broadcast schedule

Feel the sun on your shoulders and sip wine on the Piazza San Marco. Experience spring, summer, fall and winter in Italy with Venetian Baroque master Vivaldi. The German composer Mendelssohn, whose vibrant symphony was inspired his by own travels, reveals his 19th-century impressions of Rome and Naples. LACO concertmaster Margaret Batjer leads our wonderful musical journey from the first chair.

Find inspiration in the burgeoning talent of two American artists.

Four years ago, lyric coloratura Laura Claycomb wowed Los Angeles audiences as Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos. Now she brings her delicacy, refinement and theatricality to LACO in a program that culminates in her show-stopping interpretation of the Strauss aria. Meet Derek Bermel as he begins a three-year tenure as the Orchestra’s composer-in-residence. Drawing from a rich variety of musical genres, this “brilliant musical vagabond has made the sounds of the world his palette to create a singular artistic vision” (Sequenza 21).

Honor Copland and his legacy with two 28-year-old artists who carry the torch.

The youngest composer ever to be commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera, Nico Muhly is described by New York Magazine as “one of the next great hopes for the future of classical music.” Respected in both the classical and bluegrass worlds for his virtuosity and innovative fusion of musical genres, California-born Chris Thile, who made his name in the progressive acoustic band Nickel Creek, performs his mandolin concerto with LACO. “… my jaw dropped listening to and watching Thile play…The command he had of his instrument, from frenetically fast strumming to tasty quiet fills, it was just first-rate” (NPR).

Witness the evocative power of Daniel Hope’s “astonishingly beautiful playing” (The Birmingham Mail) in a concert that pays tribute to three great composers whose music was suppressed under the Nazi regime. Inspired by the historical and personal significance this program holds for both Hope and Kahane — Daniel Hope’s family was forced to flee Nazi Berlin and Jeffrey Kahane’s grandfather was arrested on Kristallnacht — this performance celebrates the power of art to transcend adversity.

Lift off with Jeremy Denk, who graduated with an unlikely double degree in chemistry and piano performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory.

Noted for his fresh musical interpretations, this young American brings his “bracing, effortlessly virtuosic and utterly joyous” playing (The New York Times) to the works of two earlier musical innovators, Mozart and Stravinsky. The opening works also highlight our “perfect” violins and the “exemplary virtuosity and musicality…” of our winds (Resmusica.com, Paris). The penultimate concert of our 41st season concludes with Mozart’s 41st Symphony, “the greatest orchestral work of the world that preceded the French Revolution” (Sir George Grove, 1906).

Unlock a musical treasure.

The mighty Fifth Symphony of Beethoven is arguably the most famous and popular symphony ever written, yet many music lovers have never had the opportunity to learn how this miraculous masterpiece works its magic on us.

In the first half of the concert, music director Jeffrey Kahane and the Orchestra lead you on a guided tour of the inner workings of a great masterpiece, using examples from the Fifth and other symphonies, and performing selections from other important Beethoven works for solo piano and chamber ensemble, including excerpts from the “Moonlight” and “Pathetique” sonatas. Kahane enhances the discussion with readings from Beethoven’s own writings on his life and music and those of others. After intermission, you’ll enjoy a complete performance of the symphony followed by Q&A with Jeffrey Kahane and the musicians.

By exploring the concept of tonality, beginning with fundamental yet perpetually intriguing questions like, “Why is the Fifth Symphony in the key of C minor and not some other key, and what does it really mean for a piece to be in a key?” Kahane illuminates one of music’s most familiar monuments in a way that inspires and fascinates new listeners and veteran concert-goers alike.

Don’t miss this opportunity for one-of-a-kind musical enrichment. You’ll come away with the key to a new world of musical understanding.

Refresh your spirits with the rich sound of the Baroque masters.

Proving the wealth of talent that has garnered LACO praise as “America’s finest chamber orchestra” (Jim Svejda), five of the Orchestra’s principals step into the spotlight as leaders and soloists in an evening of concertos. Andrew Shulman is at the helm for the Vivaldi, assistant concertmaster Tereza Stanislav, principal second violin Josefina Vergara and associate principal second Sarah Thornblade are the featured violinists and principal oboe Allan Vogel takes the lead in the oboe d’amore concerto.

Due to a death in the family, Jeffrey Kahane was not able to perform with LACO this weekend.

For the first time, a Sound Investment premiere will be led by the composer, with George Tsontakis conducting his new work, Laconika. Concertmaster Margaret Batjer leads Bizet’s Symphony No. 1 from the first chair.

Stepping in as piano soloist is the young, dynamic artist Shai Wosner in his LACO debut. Wosner will lead Beethoven’s pivotal Third Piano Concerto from the keyboard. A 2005 winner of the Avery Fisher Career Grant, Wosner attracts international recognition for his exceptional artistry, musical integrity and creative insight. Hailed by The New York Times as “a superb pianist” and the Financial Times as “an artist to follow keenly,” Wosner’s virtuosity and perceptiveness have increasingly made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike.

Join us for Tsontakis’ exciting new work, the debut of a terrific young pianist and the sweeping melodies and emotional power of the great Romantics, Bizet and Beethoven!