Five must-see classical music performances of the winter

Los Angeles contains a plethora of cultural activities and events, with a majority of them occurring just a few Metro stops away from USC in the heart of downtown L.A. And within the core of L.A.’s cultural scene is an infinite realm of classical music, a world that is often masked by the harrowing glitz and glam of Hollywood.

Indeed, the gem that is L.A.’s classical music scene is one that is often disregarded by most Angelenos. And those who are aware seldom seem to take advantage of the thrill that these performances offer. Furthermore, fewer people, particularly students, seem to know about the Student Rush tickets that are almost always available for each performance. Student Rush tickets, which can only be purchased the day of the performance, fit within the frame of a student budget, and often cost $25 or less.

However, it would be foolish to assume that cheap tickets would suddenly boost the popularity of classical music to infinite proportions. However, for those interested in experiencing something new and exhilarating, here is a list of five essential classical music events occurring in L.A. during the winter months:

Itzhak Perlman at Walt Disney Concert Hall

 

This event is perhaps the most obvious to include; virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, arguably the most accomplished violinist alive, performs with and conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a program ranging from Mozart to Tchaikovsky. To non-classical music-goers, it should be noted that Perlman is to the violin as Madonna is to pop music; in other words, only a seasoned vet like Perlman could occupy four consecutive nights in a single performance space and live to tell the tale. The performances take place from Jan. 14-17 at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

 

Thomas Morse/Ken Cazan’s Frau Schindler at Newman Recital Hall, USC

 

In early February, USC Thornton Opera will present a concert reading of Morse/Cazan’s new opera Frau Schindler, with a majority of the roles being sung by students within the Thornton School of Music’s Vocal Arts Program. Cazan, who is resident stage director of USC Thornton Opera, adds “librettist” to his long list of accomplishments with this new work that centers on the ethics and morals challenged by Oskar Schindler’s wife, Emilie. The opera, which seems to contain many feminist undertones, explores similar themes brought up in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film Schindler’s List, though from a female’s perspective.

What is most striking about this performance, regardless of its content and music, its accessibility: it’s both on campus and free of charge. The concert performance will be held Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. in Newman Recital Hall, with a pre-performance discussion with both Morse and Cazan at 7 p.m. Tickets can be reserved through Visions and Voices.

 

Mozart’s The Magic Flute at L.A. Opera

 

This English language adaptation of the Mozart staple returns to L.A. Opera after a wildly successful run in its 2013-14 season. The glamorous production, conceived by Barrie Kosky and London-based performance company 1927, incorporates 1920s aesthetics with film noir-like visual projections that replaces a physical set. The cast includes many young and up-and-coming opera singers, many of whom are participants in L.A. Opera’s Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. The production will be conducted by L.A. Opera Music Director James Conlon and runs Feb. 13-March 6 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.

 

Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande at Walt Disney Concert Hall

 

I am such a schmuck for Claude Debussy; the asymmetry and pathos of his harmonics are enough to make my toes curl. Though Debussy is infrequently known for his operas, his Pelléas et Mélisande remains an acclaimed jewel of 20th-century opera. Under the baton of Esa-Pekka Salonen, the L.A. Phil collaborates with internationally-acclaimed singers in performances of this seldom-performed piece. Performances will take place on Feb. 19 and 21 at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

 

Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 at Walt Disney Concert Hall

 

The phrase “last but not least” was perhaps coined for performances such as this one; closing out the list, and the winter season in general, is Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 3”, conducted by the famed Gustavo Dudamel. Dudamel, who also serves as music director for L.A. Phil, leads the orchestra in what should be a thrilling collaborative endeavor of one of Mahler’s largest symphonies. Joined by mezzo-soprano Tamara Mumford, female singers of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, this performance is almost a salute for the female voice. Performances will occur Mar. 3-6 at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

More information regarding performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and the Thornton School of Music can be found online.

Arya Roshanian is a senior majoring in music. He is also a lifestyle editor at the Daily Trojan. His column, “From the Top” runs on Tuesdays.