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A music fan, you say? For a complete listing of the week’s musical shows and happenings, you can refer to the LA Weekly, which offers a comprehensive guide to the vast LA music scene. The following is a short list of what is going on in the classical music department in and around LA.
Classical:
- Beverly Hills Symphony, 310-276-8385, www.beverlyhills.org, has been in existence since 1993, and is led by conductor Bogidar Avramov. Its summer series is held outdoors at Greystone Park on the grounds of the historic Doheny Mansion, which was built in 1928. The winter series is held at various civic sites in Beverly Hills.
- Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, 213-972-7300, www.laphil.com, presents a variety of concerts, recitals, and special programs. In October 2003, it made its new home at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a steely architectural marvel designed by Frank Gehry. In the summer, it continues to hold performances at the Hollywood Bowl (renovated in 2004). For more information, call The Music Center, 135 North Grand Ave., downtown, 213-202-2200 or 213-972-7211, or go to www.musiccenter.org.
- Santa Monica Symphony Orchestra, 310-996-3260, www.smsymphony.org, has performed for over half a century, and is now led by conductor Allen Robert Gross. Four times a season, it presents free performances of classical and contemporary music to an audience of 5,000. Most of its musicians are nonprofessionals drown from the community and area colleges and universities.
Choruses:
- Angeles Chorale, 818-591-1735, www.angeleschorale.org; as large as the LA Master Chorale, but entirely composed of volunteer community members, the chorus primarily performs at Royce Hall on the UCLA campus. Its conductor, Donald Neuen, is also chair of Choral Music at UCLA.
- Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles, 800-MEN-SING, www.gmcla.org; directed by Jon Bailey, tickets for this popular and talented group may be purchased thorough Telecharge at 800-233-3123. It performs primarily in the Alex Theatre in Glendale.
- Los Angeles Master Chorale, 213-972-0777, www.lamc.org; this 120-voice professional symphonic chorus, conducted by Paul Salamunovich, performs its subscription series at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
- Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, 626-793-4231, www.lachildrenschorus.org; made up of 180 children from throughout LA County. Its mission is to provide advanced musical training for children regardless of financial constraints. It presents two major concerts a year, one in spring and winter; for smaller concerts you can consult its calendar.
Opera:
The world-class LA Opera performs September-June at The Music Center in the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 North Grand Ave., 213-972-7211, www.losangelesopera.com. Tickets may be purchased in person at The Music Center box office, or by calling Ticketmaster, 213-365-3500 (fine arts line). Also check out the Santa Monica Civic Light Opera, 310-458-5939, www.smclo.org. Performances are in the restored 1938 art deco Barnum Hall Theater.
Dance:
Although somewhat underrepresented, dance companies are out there, and for those hopeful of becoming the next rising young star, here is a small list to assist.
- Ballet Pacifica, 1824 Kaiser Ave., Irvine, 949-851-9930, www.balletpacifica.org; Southern California’s oldest and only resident professional ballet company. Performs a mix of classical and contemporary programs.
- California Dance Theatre, 5863 Kanan Rd., Agoura Hills, 818-707-3267, www.californiadancetheatre.com; home to three regional performing companies: Pacific Festival Ballet Company; Dazzle professional tap/jazz group; and The Dance Connection, a competition team.
- City Dance Theatre, 1532 West 11th St., 323-292-1932, www.cityballetofla.org; just opened in 2000, this newcomer is still searching for a permanent performance space. Check the arts and entertainments guides for upcoming performance information.
- Joffrey Ballet, 213-487-8677, www.joffery.com; founded by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the famous Chicago-based touring company makes annual, well-received stops in LA.
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