Laguna Community Concert Band Presents “An Afternoon at the Opera” Featuring Opera Laguna’s Arnold a

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. – September 2026 – The Laguna Community Concert Band presents

“A Grand Afternoon of Opera and Broadway”

On Sunday, October 11, at 2 p.m. at the Laguna Playhouse, featuring a special collaboration with Opera Laguna’s Arnold and Oriana Geiss and the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Ryan Brown. Together, these talented and dedicated Laguna Beach arts organizations will perform an afternoon of well-known operatic and musical theater music. The performance celebrates the joy of bringing different musical worlds together—concert band, opera, and choral singing—creating an experience that allows artists and audiences alike to discover new connections.

The program moves from the grandeur and drama of opera to the storytelling power of Broadway, featuring music that captures passion, romance, celebration, conflict, and hope. Highlights include Verdi’s “Triumphal March” from Aida, Bizet’s vibrant ** Carmen Suite**, Saint-Saëns’ exhilarating ** Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah**, and Verdi’s stirring “Anvil Chorus” from Il Trovatore featuring the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers.

Opera Laguna’s Arnold and Oriana Geiss will bring the passion, romance, andexuberance of Italian opera to the stage with Verdi’s “Sempre Libera”and “Brindisi from La Traviata—a sparkling champagne toast filled with celebration, flirtation, and the joy of living—performed with the full ensemble of musicians and singers.

The second half explores some of musical theater’s most unforgettable stories through selections from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, and Bernstein’s West Side Story. These works invite audiences into worldsof discovery, passion, struggle, compassion, and hope, reminding us why great theater music continues to resonate across generations.

The collaboration reaches its fullest expression as the Concert Band, Opera Laguna, and the Laguna Beach Chamber Singers join together on a medley of music fromSchönberg’s Les Misérables, combining instrumental power, operatic artistry, and choral richness.

“I am so excited about this collaboration,” said Jennifer Baker, Music Director of the Laguna Community Concert Band. “Our community is filled with talented artists and musicians. Bringing these groups together creates a unique opportunity to make music while inviting our audiences to discover something new. Those who come for opera may discover the depth and versatility of the concert band. And our band audiences will be moved by the power of opera and the beauty of choral music, especially in this uniquesetting.

“Ultimately, this is about connection—creating opportunities for people who love different musical traditions to meet each other and find common ground. It is a chance to celebrate the incredible artistic talent in our community and experience the magic that happens when we make and share music together.” A three time winner of the Laguna Beach Arts Alliance Collaboration award, the concert reflects the Laguna Community Concert Band’s ongoing commitment to build connections throughout the community. As Laguna Beach approaches its Centennial in 2027, the Band is creating new opportunities to connect the city’s many artists, musicians, and audiences—celebrating the creative community that has helped shape Laguna Beach for generations.

Now in its 27th season, the Laguna Community Concert Band is a volunteer nonprofit dedicated to enriching Laguna Beach through free live performances, music education, and community partnerships. The organization includes a 50-piece Concert Band and an 18-piece Jazz Band, presenting more than 25 performances each year throughoutthe community.

From Festival of Arts concerts and holiday celebrations to educational programs and collaborations with local arts organizations, the Laguna Community Concert Band continues its mission of making live music accessible to everyone and welcoming audiences of all ages.

“A Grand Afternoon of Opera and Broadway”

Sunday, October 11, 2026 • 2 p.m.

Laguna Playhouse

Admission is free, though a suggested donation of $30 is much appreciated.

For more information about upcoming performances, visit lagunaconcertband.com.