Afternoon delights await us both Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to hear one of these outstanding concerts before the chamber music season slowly winds down for the season. Each offers something musically unique and special in terms of the artists and programs, and cries testament to the depth and quality in the music scene in Los Angeles.
Gala Concerto Concert
The Music Guild of the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena presents Music Director and Conductor Stephen Gothold with soloists David Garrett (cello, Los Angeles Philharmonic), Jeffrey Benedict (saxophone, California State University, Los Angeles), Junko Ueno Garrett (piano, Occidental College) and Cynthia Pearson (piano, Pasadena City College).
The afternoon program includes: C.P.E. Bach’s Cello Concerto in A Major; Alexander Glazounov’s Concerto in E flat for saxophone; J.S. Bach’s Keyboard Concerto in D minor; and Ernst Bloch’s Concerto Grosso No.1 in D minor.
Interestingly, the instrumental soloists are all members of First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, and the professional orchestra accompanying them features well-known performers from Southern California’s top-tier orchestral ranks.
My attention was particularly piqued by the opportunity to hear the rarely performed Glazounov saxophone concerto, a masterwork in the repertoire that is certainly worth attending. Benedict has distinguished himself as one of the leading saxophonists in America, noted especially for his unapologetic approach to the instrument and its repertoire. He is among the most versatile performers on the instrument, and his virtuosity will astound you in this most interesting concerto.
Saturday, June 5, 4 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 500 E. Colorado Blvd. (between Los Robles and Oakland), Pasadena
Tickets: freewill offering
A benefit dinner follows: $25 / $10 for children under 12 (reservations are required for dinner). For information and dinner reservations, call (626) 796-0157.
Chamber Music at the Grand Annex
Music Director John M. Kennedy and the Chamber Players of Los Angeles present Schubert’s famous Octet in F Major for clarinet, bassoon, horn, string quartet, and double bass (D803). Kennedy has created a unique niche in the local chamber music scene with his fascinating programs and outstanding artists; this Sunday’s performance will be no exception.
Sunday, June 6, 3 p.m.
The Grand Annex, 434 W. Sixth St., San Pedro
Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at the door
Seniors and Students: $10 in advance / $15 at the door
These events were selected from Jim Eninger’s Clickable Chamber Music Newsletter, an extensive calendar of upcoming music events, large and small, happening all around Los Angeles.