St. Matthew's Music Guild: Allakhverdyan and Crockett play Strauss

Pacific Palisades, CA — St. Matthew’s Music Guild marks a significant milestone on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 8:00pm with the return of the Chamber Orchestra to St. Matthew’s Church in Pacific Palisades following the Palisades Fire. The evening features LA Philharmonic principals Boris Allakhverdyan (clarinet) and Whitney Crockett (bassoon) in a program that pairs Richard Strauss’s late masterwork for winds with music by Los Angeles–based composer David Lefkowitz and Tchaikovsky’s beloved Serenade for Strings.

“This program brings together introspection and exuberance in equal measure,” said Music Director Dwayne S. Milburn. “Strauss’s Duet-Concertino is one of his most refined late works—lyrical, humane, and full of subtle character. To perform it with artists of the caliber of Boris Allakhverdyan and Whitney Crockett is deeply rewarding. Just as meaningful is our return to St. Matthew’s Church. Coming back to our musical home and sharing this moment with our audience carries profound significance for all of us.”

Tickets: $45; Students: $10