Virtuoso Cellist Steven Isserlis Performs Haydn with Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) showcases the virtuosic skills of Steven Isserlis, “one of the world’s leading cellists” (The Guardian), performing Haydn’s radiant Cello Concerto No. 2 under the baton of sought-after Scottish conductor Douglas Boyd, making his LACO debut, on Saturday, October 18, 2014, 8 pm, at Glendale’s Alex Theatre, and Sunday, October 19, 2014, 7 pm, at UCLA’s Royce Hall. Boyd also conducts Mozart’s stately “Haffner” Serenade and opens the program with At First Light by George Benjamin, considered among Britain’s greatest living composers.

According to Benjamin, the inspiration for the piece, which was commissioned and premiered by the London Sinfonietta in 1982, is an oil painting by Turner hanging in the Tate Gallery that stirred him to create a “melted…flowing, nebulous continuum of sound.”

Boyd, acclaimed for his vibrant conducting style, is principal conductor of the Musikkollegium Winterthur, Switzerland’s oldest orchestra, and principal guest conductor with the City of London Sinfonia. Chicago Tribune calls him “a superlative young conductor,” and The Sunday Telegraph (London, UK) proclaims, “He has the born conductor’s ability to make music sound fresh and to detect its inner life and pulse.”

Isserlis, heralded for his “precise, heartfelt performances” (New York Times), is one of only two living cellists to be inducted into Gramophone’s Hall of Fame. Gramophone Magazine states, “The music world – and music itself – is infinitely richer for the presence of Steven Isserlis.” During his illustrious career, the British cellist, a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, has given recitals around the globe and performed with such major orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, The Cleveland Orchestra and Philharmonia Baroque, to name a few.

Concert Preludes, pre-concert talks held one hour before curtain and free for ticket holders, provide insights into the program’s music and artists. Following the performance, ticket holders are invited to mingle with LACO musicians at an after-party featuring complimentary appetizers and drinks in the lobby.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is considered one of the world’s premier chamber orchestras as well as a leader in presenting wide-ranging repertoire and adventurous commissions. Its 2014-15 season, the Orchestra’s 46th, features a compelling mix of beloved masterpieces and genre-defying premieres from firmly established as well as notable up-and-coming composers programmed by Jeffrey Kahane, one of the world’s foremost conductors and pianists, who marks his 18th season as LACO’s music director.

Tickets, starting at $26, are on sale now and may be purchased online at laco.org or by calling LACO at 213 622 7001. Discounted tickets are also available by phone for seniors 65 years of age and older and groups of 12 or more. College students may purchase student rush tickets ($12), based on availability, at the box office the day of the concert. Also available for college students is the $30 “Campus to Concert Hall All Access Pass” – good for all seven of LACO’s Orchestral series concerts, Discover Mozart’s Requiem and three Westside Connections concerts.