By Robert D. Thomas
Music Critic
Southern California News Group
Each week about this time I list five (more or less) classical-music programs in Southern California (more or less) during the next seven days (more or less) that might be worth attending.
APRIL 13, 14 and 15: L.A. PHIL’S “REYKJAVIK FESTIVAL”
8:00 p.m. at Walt Disney Concert Hall
The rock group Sigur Rós performs three different programs as part of this festival of music from Iceland. Former LAPO Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen (now the Phil’s Conductor Laureate) leads the orchestra.
BONUS: Disney Hall is easily reachable (at least if you’re not mobility challenged) via the Red and Purple Lines. Exit at the 1st and Hill St. side of the Civic Center/Grand Park station and walk up two steep blocks to reach the hall.
Information: www.laphil.org
APRIL 14: MOZART REQUIEM & SOLEMN VESPERS
7:30 p.m. at Pasadena Presbyterian Church, Pasadena
In the 20th edition of PPC’s annual Good Friday Devotional Concert, Dr. Timothy Howard leads the church’s Kirk Choir; Pasadena Singers; soloists Judith Siirila Paskowitz, soprano, Bonnie Snell Schindler, alto, Jonathan Mack, tenor, and Michal Dawson Connor, bass; and the Friends of Music Orchestra in two of Mozart’s best-loved choral works.
BONUS: Free admission (freewill offering).
Information: www.ppcmusic.org
APRIL 14: STAINER’S “THE CRUCIFIXION”
7:30 p.m. at Church of Our Saviour, San Gabriel
Phillip Smith leads the church’s choir; soloists Stephen Salts, bass, Phil Gold, tenor, and Bryan Dyer, narrator; along with guest organist Joseph Peeples in a work that is rarely performed these days but lies dusty in most church choirs’ libraries.
BONUS: Free admission (freewill offering).
Information: www.churchofoursaviour.org
APRIL 14: FESTIVAL M.A.R.S.
This 10-day festival throughout downtown Los Angeles includes music, art, fashion and dance. Musical groups include the Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, International Contemporary Ensemble (making its only local appearance of the year), composer/performer collective Ensemble Pamplemousse, and the newly-formed M.A.R.S. Collective. More details HERE.
Information: www.festivalmars.com
APRIL 18: BACH’S B-MINOR MASS
8:00 p.m. at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles
Hans-Christoph Rademann leads the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart, Bach-Collegium Stuttgart, soloists and Gächinger Kantorei in this landmark of western classical music.
BONUS: Disney Hall is easily reachable (at least if you’re not mobility challenged) via the Red and Purple Lines. Exit at the 1st and Hill St. side of the Civic Center/Grand Park station and walk up two steep blocks to reach the hall.
Information: www.laphil.org
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(c) Copyright 2017, Robert D. Thomas. All rights reserved. Portions may be quoted with attribution.
