Harpsichord Virtuoso Mahan Esfahani Leads LA Chamber Orchestra's Baroque Conversations Evening

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) opens its five-concert Baroque Conversations series with an evening led by Iranian-born harpsichord virtuoso Mahan Esfahani featuring works by Bach, Telemann and Erlebach on Thursday, November 12, 2015, 7 pm, at Zipper Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. Esfahani, lauded by The New York Times for his “soulful flair,” is joined by LACO concertmaster Margaret Batjer; assistant concertmaster Tereza Stanislav; Victoria Miskolczy, associate principal viola; Robert Brophy, viola; Armen Ksajikian, associate principal cello; Peter Lloyd, acting principal bass; Sandy Hughes, flute; and Allan Vogel, principal oboe; and guest musician John Schneiderman, theorbo. The program includes Erlebach’s Ouvertüre IV; Telemann’s Paris Quartet No. 7 in D major; and Bach’s Sonata in G minor for Oboe and Harpsichord and Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D minor. A complimentary wine reception for all ticket holders begins at 6 pm.

Esfahani, in demand around the globe, has been hailed as “one of today’s most thrilling harpsichordists” (Gramophone) and proclaimed a “superstar whose musicianship, imagination, virtuosity, cultural breadth and charisma far transcends the ivory tower in which the harpsichord has traditionally been placed” (The Times). Since making his London debut in 2009, he has worked tirelessly to establish the harpsichord in the mainstream of concert instruments in classical and contemporary repertoire, including giving the first harpsichord recital in the history of the BBC Proms in 2011.

LACO’s highly regarded Baroque Conversations series spotlights repertoire from early Baroque schools through the pre-classical period. In signature LACO style, artists share their insights into the music and invite questions from the audience, which provides an in-depth look at the music being presented as well as an opportunity to get to know LACO artists on a deeper level. Each Zipper Hall program begins with a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception.

Additional Baroque Conversations performances take place on February 4, March 24 and April 21, 2016, 7 pm, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles; and on Saturday, May 21, 2016, 8 pm, at USC’s Bovard Auditorium in partnership with the 2016 Piatigorsky International Cello Festival. Baroque Conversations is generously sponsored by Carol & Warner Henry, a Friend of LACO and the Ronus Foundation.

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.

Single tickets for the concert on November 12 (beginning at $57) and subscriptions to all five “Baroque Conversations” concerts ($260) are available online at laco.org, or by calling LACO at 213 622 7001. Single tickets can also be purchased at the venue box office on the night of the concert, if tickets remain. Discounted tickets are available by phone for groups of 12 or more. College students may purchase student rush tickets ($12), based on availability, at the box office an hour before the concert.