A Selective Guide to the Arts in Los Angeles

Jacaranda’s 10th anniversary season continues on Saturday, Feb. 22, with a dinner break — a break that separates the performances of two 20-movement mid-20th-century masterworks by John Cage and Olivier Messiaen. Each cycle is played by an American pianist with whom the music has become synonymous: Adam Tendler and Christopher Taylor, respectively. The consecutive concerts (Tendler at 5 p.m. and Taylor at 7:30 p.m.) will take place at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica.

Jacaranda’s first decade gave extensive attention to the centenaries of Messiaen (1908-92) and Cage (1912-89). As a nod to that legacy, Artistic Director Patrick Scott chose for the 10th anniversary two works for solo piano that link the composers after World War II: Cage’s “Sonatas & Interludes” (1946-48) for prepared piano and Messiaen’s “Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant Jesus” (1944). Both works were influenced in very different ways by the philosophy and music of India. Cage performed his cycle for Messiaen in Paris in 1949, and Messiaen reciprocated with a performance of his cycle by Yvonne Loriod, the work’s extravagantly talented dedicatee, who would eventually become Messiaen’s wife.

Tendler will perform the 60-minute Cage work at 5 p.m. without pause and from memory. Recognized by the American Pianists Association, Tendler has performed modern American piano music in all of the United States.

After a dinner break, Taylor, bronze medalist at the 1993 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, will perform the two-hour Messiaen work from memory at 7:30 p.m. with an intermission.

During the dinner break, attendees are responsible for their own meals. Jacaranda will supply a list of nearby restaurants and restaurants that are offering discounts. The break is about an hour and 15 minutes.

Culture Spot LA readers can win a pair of free tickets to the 5 or 7:30 p.m. concerts. Email editor@culturespotla.com with “Jacaranda” in the subject line and please indicate your choice of 5 or 7:30 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica is located at 1220 Second St., Santa Monica 90401. General admission tickets for either of the Feb. 22 Cage/Tendler or Messiaen/Taylor concerts alone are $35; $20 for students. Admission to both concerts is $60; $30 for students. For tickets and a restaurant guide, as well as special Jacaranda food and beverage discounts, visit jacarandamusic.org. Tickets are sold online or at the door. Information: (213) 483-0216.