Classical Music News for January/February 2018

LOS ANGELES

ISRAEL IN EGYPT

Los Angeles Master Chorale will present George Frederick Handel’s ISRAEL IN EGYPT at Walt Disney Hall on Sunday, February 11 at 7 pm. Colorfully chronicling the exodus of the Israelites and the plagues that besieged Egypt, Handel’s vibrant oratorio will be enhanced by dramatic visuals created by Syrian-Armenian artist, Kevork Mourad.

The one-night only performance will be conducted by Grant Gershon and features eighty singers and seven soloists. In addition to creating animated projections for the performance, Mourad will be seen on stage, creating his paintings in real-time to be projected as he draws them.

Born in Syria of Armenian descent, New York-based Mourad is committed to highlighting the current Syran refugee crisis in his work. With ISRAEL IN EGYPT he aims to explore parallels between the exodus of the Israelites and the plagues that besieged Egypt, as chronicled in the libretto, with today’s refugee experience.

“I am addressing the crisis as a Syrian-American, a descendant of people who were saved from the genocide of 1915 by being welcomed into, and nurtured by, Syrian society. I have no choice but to express in my works the need for unity and the fact that human suffering is the same wherever you go.”

Walt Disney Hall, 135 N. Grand Ave, For tickets and information, call 213-972-7282 or visit lamasterchorale.org

FIATO STRING QUARTET

The Music Guild will present a recital by the Fiato String Quartet (Micah Yul, Piano) on February 26, 27 & 28 at 8 pm at University Synagogue Brentwood; Daniel Recital Hall, Cal State Long Beach; and Adat Ari El Temple, N. Hollywood, respectively.

The Quartet will perform Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Minor, Op. 34 and Dvorak’s Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81. Complimentary coffee, cookies, and cheese Mondays and Wednesdays, 7.30-8 pm, and at intermission.

Call 310-558-3500 or visit concerts@themusicguild.org