With Valentine's Day looming, the tradition is that I should start this column with something corny, like "Love is in the air!". But as much as my sentimental heart loves the mushy stuff, there are also many events in the next several days which have little or nothing to do with red hearts and champagne. The diverse array of programming laid out before us is layered, creative and quite intriguing, and while there are some lovely concerts that will satisfy your sweet tooth, there are also shows and programs that will tempt your dark side.
The real celebration is that we live in an area that affords us such a wealth of options. Scheduling constraints (specifically, tweeting duties at [Wednesday's] '
Simon Boccanegra' dress!) dictate that this remain a short column this week, but let's take a look at three things that you might not have heard about. (See the rest on the Calendar!)
First, Thursday marks the start of the 2012 conference of the
AFRICAN AMERICAN ART SONG ALLIANCE, a gathering in Irvine devoted to the exploration and performance of works that tend to receive far little play. The concerts and events are in Irvine, and are free to attend. For details,
click here.
Second, the Inland Empire's own professional chorus comes to Glendale on Saturday, as
REDLANDS CHORAL ARTISTS performs classic works by Bach, Mozart, Brahms and Mendelssohn. Director
JEAN-SÉBASTIEN VALLÉE is rapidly making a name for himself around town, and the Lister singers who have worked with him send glowing reports. If you can, take this chance to hear a group that tends to perform further afield from most of our readers. For details,
click here.Finally, one grand recital has changed a bit, but will be no less marvelous. While the previously scheduled concert in Northridge featuring CAROL VANESS has been canceled due to illness,
Grammy®-winning baritone NMON FORD has agreed to step in, with
KOSTA POPOVIC at the piano. Ford's rich voice and natural charm promise a very enjoyable musical evening, and although
we all wish Ms. Vaness a speedy recovery, there is still good music to be had. For information on the concert series and details on this concert,
click here.Don't miss out on the other vocal events around town, including numerous operas, special concerts for V-Day sweetness, sweeping choral offerings (including more than 1000 singers at the Cathedral on Sunday evening), and a few very unusual special events (see the Armory event on Saturday). Have a wonderful week -- as always,
thank you for supporting live singing!
