The Los Angeles Master Chorale, a cultural icon heralded around the globe for its exceptional artistry, pulls out the stops for an extraordinary 50th Anniversary Season Celebration the last weekend of January featuring two performances of Bach's incomparable B Minor Mass, considered one of the greatest works in the choral repertoire and the first piece the Chorale performed on its inaugural concert in 1965, as well as a spectacular gala extravaganza, "Golden on Grand," which celebrates the Chorale's remarkable legacy over the past five decades. The Bach B Minor Mass concerts, conducted by Music Director Grant Gershon, are Saturday, January 25, 2 pm, and Sunday, January 26, 7 pm, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. "Golden on Grand" is Saturday, January25, 6 pm, at the Eva and Marc Stern Grand Hall of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Chorale's home for 37 years until it moved to Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2003.
"The Los Angeles Master Chorale has been a vital part of the city's cultural fabric for the past five decades," states LAMC President and CEO Terry Knowles. "Given the choir's tremendous reach and broad artistic impact, it is only fitting that we celebrate in grand style this ground-breaking musical organization and all those who have contributed to its growth and success."
The performances of Bach's B Minor Mass -- an "astonishing work" that holds "a monumental place in music history" (New York Times) -- bookend the weekend-long celebration and feature a musical force of 115 singers from the Chorale plus a symphonic orchestra. The Chorale has performed the masterpiece ten times in five decades, including, most notably, for the first time as a newly minted Music Center resident company at its first independent concert conducted by Founding Music Director Roger Wagner at the just-opened Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on January 27, 1965. Says Gershon of the musical homage, "This is where it all started for the Los Angeles Master Chorale. To be able to conduct Bach's masterpiece with the Chorale almost 49 years to the day after Roger Wagner did at the choir's inaugural concert is simply amazing. It is an honor to be a part of this incredible legacy." Concert tickets range from $29 - $129.
The anniversary weekend celebration shifts into high gear on January 25,at 6 pm, with "Golden on Grand," a spectacular black-tie gala honoring the Chorale's 50 years of extraordinary music making. Cultural, political and business luminaries, including Gala benefactor BNY Mellon, as well as long-time friends of the Chorale will come together for this glamorous tribute and elegant evening of music and dining at the Eva and Marc Stern Grand Hall of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Chorale's original home from 1964 to 2003. Gala highlights include the Chorale's signature "Surround Sing"; live and silent auctions; a sumptuous dinner catered by Patina; and dancing to Wayne Foster Entertainment. KNBC's Fritz Coleman is Master of Ceremonies. Gala tickets start at $650 per person.
For concert and/or gala tickets and information, please call 213-972-7282 or visit www.lamc.org.