LA LA LAND has become such a sophisticated culturally-aware town!
Imagine that!
Instead of hopping on the freeway to face the snarling traffic at the dinner hour on Friday night, a posse of music-lovers descended on Thayer Hall to attend a musical series aptly titled: Rush Hour Concerts.
At the top of the evening's illustrious program, the head of The Colburn School (of music) alighted on the stage to welcome guests and offer up an anecdote or two.
“When I strode through the front door tonight, I spotted a fender-bender right outside in the street. If those drivers had attended tonight’s rush hour concert, they wouldn’t have been in that accident,” he joked, as the audience roared in agreement.
The series – sponsored by Gibson Dunn – features the brightest virtuoso “stars” and ensemble players in the city.
For example, on Friday evening talented students (Benjamin Lash, Luke Fitzpatrick, Hyerung Lim, Eloise Kim, John Winstead, Steve Metcalfe, Christine Kim and Dana Jackson) - from the Colburn Conservatory Baroque Ensemble - performed a handful of compositions (highlighting wind, string, and keyboard instruments) with a spotlight on Bach, Handel, Couperin, Quantz, and Telemann.
Before the performances began, well-heeled art patrons mixed-and-mingled on the terrace under a starry night sky amidst a canyon of skyscrapers, where they were invited to sip on wine (California white & red) and nibble on imported cheese, plain and fancy crackers, and succulent fruit of the season.
Gratis!
Inside, a short while later, Dr. Vogel (one of the teachers at the renowned school for the performing arts) was inclined to enlighten the audience with a brief intro to the night’s program.
“When we talk about the trio of voices,” he beamed, “We are referring to the relationship between the audience, composer, and music. It is the eternal triangle.”
After noting that Bach was the “greatest of the greats”, the musicians commenced with their musical task.
Unlike most concerts that start off “cold”, on occasion, the students offered up background information on the compositions to educate and enlighten the guests present.
For instance, one young musician noted that Johann Joachim Quantz had an affinity for the instruments featured in the composition about to be played because of his ritual experiences with Buddhism.
On another occasion, a strapping young man noted that the “Trio Sonata in G major” was Bach’s favorite.
“So, you know it’s going to be great,” he excitedly gushed to the audience.
A shy young lady was elated that – for once – she was spotlighted on stage with her blessed instrument.
“Normally, the Bassoon is in the background,” she noted sadly.
For the most part, the evening's performances were top-notch, and well-received.
One piece was a bit labored, however, while another lacked “passion” where necessary.
At times, it appeared that the students were more capable of getting the music “note perfect”, than expressing the emotion and feelings behind the composition as intended by the composer.
But, I am being nit-picky!
Kudos!
Catch the next Rush Hour Concert – "Winter Winds" – slated for January 24th at the Colburn School of Music (across from Disney Hall) if you can.
It'll soothe your nerves and prepare 'ya for the long trek home afterward!
INFO
http://www.colburnschooledu/calendar
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