HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
The holidays are here and there’s no shortage of ways to get in the spirit. To get an earful of Christmas cheer, head down to Walt Disney Concert Hall where the Los Angeles Master Chorale always puts on an unforgettable show.
On Saturday, 115 singers will take the stage for “Holiday Wonders: A Festival of Carols.” Accompanied by the hall’s famous pipe organ, you’ll hear favorites like “Joy to the World” and “Hark the Herald Angeles Sing.” On Sunday, Musical Director Grant Gershon and his talented crew present “Rejoice! A Classical Christmas” with “Four Christmas Motets,” “The Christmas Story,” “A Festival of Carols” and “O Magnum Mysterium” on the schedule.
If you want to be part of the action, check out the popular “Messiah Sing-Along” on Monday. Soloists lead the way, but the audience makes up the chorus. For something more traditional, there’s Handel’s “Messiah” featuring 48 singers and a chamber orchestra.
Movie buffs, meantime, will be heading for Disney Hall for a special concert called “The Hollywood Sound.” The program features music by Mancini and Williams and many others. Enjoy classic film scores from favorites like “A Streetcar Named Desire,” “North by Northwest” and “Chinatown.”
There’s the “Holiday Organ Spectacular” on Fri., Dec. 16, and a Holiday Sing-Along on Dec. 17.
“A Swinging Christmas” with John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molasky gives the holidays a cool jazzy feel, and the whole year wraps up with Brazilian samba, ‘30s Cuban dance and Parisian cafe music by Pink Martini on New Year’s Eve. Cheers!
MUSICAL CHAIRS
We haven’t even hit awards season and already there have been more alterations to the Oscars than Anne Hathaway had dress changes on the 2011 show.
Malibu’s Brian Grazer is busy at work putting together next year’s broadcast. The Oscar-winning producer took over after producer Brett Ratner resigned, taking his host Eddie Murphy with him.
Grazer’s choice was a no brainer. He selected the ever-popular Billy Crystal, who will take his ninth turn as host. Grazer said he made his decision in a matter of minutes and Crystal accepted almost immediately.
Grazer, whose films include blockbusters like “Apollo 13” and “A Beautiful Mind,” has been a busy man this year. He has produced five movies, including Clint Eastwood’s “J. Edgar,” Ratner’s “Tower Heist” and “Cowboys and Aliens.” He might even be up for a few awards himself.
It would only be fitting if the Academy takes a few minutes out to remember the late Gil Cates. The talented producer and director was at the helm of 14 Oscar telecasts, putting hosts like Crystal and Steve Martin in the starring role. Cates died earlier this year at the age of 77. He was seen as a man who pepped up a tired and predictable broadcast and turned it into an entertainment extravaganza.
The Oscars air on Feb. 26.