The Sound of Music
They started off playing a series of intimate salons across the city, but come 2012, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is ready to kick into full gear.
It’s a classical gas as conductor Andrew Shulman and violin virtuoso Nigel Armstrong team up for “Mostly Mozart” with “Symphony No. 29 in A major, K. 201” and “Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216” covering the Mozart part of the program, and Walton’s “Sonata for Strings” making up the “mostly.” The musical spectacular takes place at Royce Hall on Jan 22.
There’s more Mozart in store in March as Jeffrey Kahane takes the stage for “Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550” as well as a world premiere by Timothy Andres. In early spring look for Haydn’s “Symphony No. 104 in D major,” called the “London.”
For a vibrant, full-bodied experience there’s nothing like a trip to Walt Disney Concert Hall and an evening with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, but for something just a little bit more cozy, intimate and romantic, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is hard to beat.
Doings in the Desert
Believe it or not, before the award season gets into full swing, the stars come out to shine in Palm Springs and this year is no exception. Look for some big-name talent to flock to the Palm Springs International Film Festival.
Glenn Close is already on the honor role and coming up, hunky hottie George Clooney will take home the Chairman’s Award.
Clooney is being honored for his work in “The Descendants” and “The Ides of March.” Showing off his multitasking skills, the talented actor also directed, produced and co-wrote the film. In the words of chairman Harold Matzner, “George Clooney brings new definition to the word ‘star,’ a consummate actor, director, producer and screenwriter, he’s demonstrated that no discipline within the film industry is beyond his reach.” But not to worry, this honor is not a lifetime achievement award. Matzner noted that “fortunately for all of us who admire him this is still a work in progress.” The honor has been bestowed upon some of the biggest names in the business, including locals like Dustin Hoffman as well as famous faces like Ben Affleck and Nicole Kidman.