A week full of newness is a beautiful thing, and SoCal has it all: new works, new partnerships, new talent and new takes on presentation. Here are just a few examples:
New music gets its start early with selections from local composers BRUCE BABCOCK and MARK CARLSON in Claremont on Friday. This free midday concert features Pomona College faculty members URSULA KLEINECKE-BOYER (soprano), KEN FOERCH (alto sax) and guest artist MARIA PEREZ-GOODMAN (piano). For details, click
here.
Friday evening, the renegade WHAT'S NEXT? ensemble from USC stages just one performance of an intriguing operatic double bill in Culver City: SHAUN NAIDOO's '
Nigerian Spam' puts annoying emails to artistic use in a setting for percussion for electronics, then MICHAEL GORDON's mini-opera captures the duality and drama of Vincent
Van Gogh in six rock-influenced scenes based on the artist's letters. Tickets are just ten bucks, and details can be had by clicking
here.
Saturday night, BACH COLLEGIUM SAN DIEGO is joined by HORIZON MUSIC GROUP to perform J.S. Bach's timeless and controversial '
St. John Passion' at, appropriately, St. John's Episcopal Cathedral near downtown. This new pairing (BCSD and HMG, that is) is full of promise, and the truly glorious atmosphere at St. John's is the perfect place for this beautiful Baroque work. (BCSD will also present this program in La Jolla on Friday.) For details on Saturday's performance,
click here.
New talent, did we say?
Some is newer than others: The adorable SOUTH BAY CHILDREN'S CHOIR* comes to Torrance for two performances of the aquatic-themed '
Oceans, Rivers and Seas' on Sunday, and the SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHILDREN'S CHORUS performs at the Nixon Library.
Or, is 'Up, Up and Away' your favorite ditty? vocalist CHRISTIAN NOVA and pianist FRANK GARVEY have a more substantial tale to tell, with '
The Andrée Expedition' by Dominick Argento, in Tarzana on Sunday afternoon. Join three Swedish explorers as they attempt a record-setting trip to the North Pole in a hydrogen balloon. The multimedia presentation will include photographs of the men themselves, c. 1897. To read more and get concert info,
click here.
Saturday and Sunday evenings, the much-anticipated chamber opera from composer/librettist JULIA ADOLPHE comes to The Lost Studio in Hollywood: if you've ever thought life might drive you mad, '
Sylvia' is the opera for you. This very original drama takes place within an unusual therapy session, where the patients use theater to explore their past experiences. This unique story addresses complex and powerful themes in a very novel way. Get details (including info on very accessible tickets) by clicking
here.
[NOTE: Since press time for this column, we've been informed that both 'Sylvia' performances are sold out. Congrats, all -- when are you doing it again?]PLEASE NOTE: The concert by DAME EMMA KIRKBY, previously scheduled for Sunday the 15th, has been canceled. We'll look forward to her next visit to the Southland!
It's a big week, so as usual, there are plenty more where these came from -- be sure to check the calendar. As always, thank you for supporting live singing!
