Four Harpsichords Spotlighted as LA Chamber Orchestra Plays Vivaldi & Bach

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) highlights the beauty and majesty of the harpsichord with an unusual program featuring four harpsichords and chamber orchestra in the first of its Baroque Conversations series on Thursday, December 11, 2014, 7 pm, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles, which repeats on Saturday, December 13, 2014, 7:30 pm, when the Orchestra makes its debut at the Valley Performing Arts Center in Northridge. Led by Music Director Jeffrey Kahane, the performance honors LACO artistic founder/former cellist James Arkatov and also celebrates the connection between Vivaldi and Bach, who transcribed many of Vivaldi’s works during his career. The repertoire includes the original version of Vivaldi’s Concerto in B minor for Four Violins, Op. 3, No. 10, from “L’Estro Armonico,” and Bach’s transcription of the piece, the unprecedented and rarely performed Concerto in A minor for Four Harpsichords, BWV 1065. Kahane also conducts Albinoni’s Oboe Concerto in D minor, Op. 9, No. 2, and Corelli’s Concerto Grosso in G minor, Op. 6, No. 8, “Christmas Concerto” in keeping with the season. Kahane, a noted keyboardist who is featured on harpsichord, leads a Baroque-size orchestra comprised of LACO musicians and eight featured soloists, including LACO concertmaster Margaret Batjer; LACO principals Josefina Vergara, Sarah Thornblade, violins, Allan Vogel, oboe, and Patricia Mabee, harpsichord; LACO violinist Jacqueline Brand; and special guests Ian Pritchard and Gilbert Martinez, harpsichords. This marks the first collaboration between LACO and the Valley Performing Arts Center.

LACO’s highly regarded five-concert “Baroque Conversations” series, now in its ninth year, explores the genesis of orchestral repertoire from early Baroque schools through the pre-classical period. In signature LACO style, each concert host shares insights into the music and invites questions from the audience, providing an in-depth look at the music being presented as well as an opportunity to get to know LACO artists on a more personal level. For the December 11 performance at Zipper Hall, a complimentary wine reception for all ticket holders begins at 6 pm.

Subscriptions to all five “Baroque Conversations” concerts ($250) are available by calling LACO at 213 622 7001. Tickets for individual concerts (beginning at $56) are available online at laco.org, by calling LACO at 213 622 7001, or at the venue box office on the night of the concert, if tickets remain. Discounted tickets are also available by phone for 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.