Classical Music News for May/June 2022

LOS ANGELES NEWS

UNITED WE SING/BACH’S B-MINOR MASS

Los Angeles Master Chorale’s May/June recitals include UNITED WE STAND (May 8) and BACH’S B-MINOR MASS (June 25-26) at Disney Hall.

Rollo Dilworth, one of choral music’s most dynamic leaders, will conduct UNITED WE SING, a program that will showcase the breadth and vitality of the many cultures that have made America what it is today. Highlights include songs by Alice Parker and Mary Lou Williams, and music from Dilworth himself.

A chorus of 80 singers, plus piano and percussion will be featured. There will be a Listen Up! Pre-concert talk with Alan Chapman and Rollo Dilworth.

B-MINOR MASS is a monumental testament to Johann Sebastian Bach’s artistry; its sheer power astounds. Bach spent hi final years composing andcompiling a lifetime’s worth of his most powerful music into this single work which Robert Shaw called “the most remarkable musical allegory of human existence–its pain, aspiration and promises.”

Grant Gershon conducts Julia Metzler (soprano), Reginald Mobley (alto), Nicholas Phan (tenor), Steve Pence (bass) and a 48-person chorus, with the Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra.

Listen Up! Pre-concert talk with Alan Chapman and Grant Gershon.

(135 Grand Avenue, call 213-972-7282 or visit lamasterchorale.org)


THE MUSIC GUILD

The Music Guild will present four chamber-music recitals this spring. The first, scheduled for May 2, features the California String Quartet (with guest appearance by guitarist Tengyue Zhang). The CSQ will perform works by Smetana, Ravel and Boccherini (“Fandango Guitar Quintet in D Major”).
On May 16 the Aristeia Trio will take the stage, interpreting works by Beethoven, Muczynski and Brahms. Next up, on May 23, is a new chamber-music ensemble, Piano Quartet Milano, performing works by Turina, Schumann and Dvorak.

Another new group, Piano Trio Quebec will conclude the spring series on June 6, with works by Beethoven and Ravel.

All recitals take place on Monday nights at 8pm in St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 580 Hilgard Avenue, Westwood, CA 90924. There is limited parking behind the church and on Hilgard. Additional parking in the UCLA parking garage at Westholme.

For tickets and information call 310-5583500 or visit concerts@themusicguild.org