Jeffrey Kahane Leads LA Chamber Orchestra in Haydn, Prokofiev & Norman's Gran Turismo

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), led by Music Director Jeffrey Kahane, presents Prokofiev’s virtuosic Violin Concerto No. 2, featuring special guest violinist Joseph Swensen, and Mozart’s resplendent Flute Concerto No. 1, highlighting LACO Principal Flute David Shostac, on Saturday, March 14, 2015, 8 pm, at Glendale’s Alex Theatre, and Sunday, March 15, 2015, 7 pm, at UCLA’s Royce Hall. Kahane also conducts Haydn’s Symphony No. 64 in A major, “Times Change,” and LACO Composer-in-Residence Andrew Norman’s Gran Turismo for eight solo violins, which the composer describes as a “creative joyride” named for “an addictive car racing video game.”

Swensen, a “gripping” violinist (Herald Scotland), is active as both a soloist and conductor. He is also a passionate chamber musician who performs in recital with pianist Jeffrey Kahane as well as in the recently formed KahaneSwensenBrey Trio with cellist Carter Brey, which has appeared at the Ravinia, La Jolla, Chamber Music Northwest, Music@Menlo and Orcas Island festivals, among many others.

“Extraordinary, dazzling, world class” and “a musician of the highest order” are words critics have used to describe Shostac’s artistry. This season, the “stalwart of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra” (Orange County Register), is celebrating his 40th anniversary as the Orchestra’s Principal Flute.

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 pacesetter 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.