LA Chamber Orchestra Presents Benjamin Wallfisch Leading World Premiere of His Violin Concerto, 11/10 & 11

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) presents Emmy-nominated guest conductor Benjamin Wallfisch, considered "one of UK's most exciting young composers" (BBC Music Magazine), who makes his LACO debut conducting the world premiere of his own Violin Concerto on Saturday, November 10, 8 pm, at the Alex Theatre and Sunday, November 11, 7 pm, at UCLA's Royce Hall.

LACO commissioned the work for LACO's Assistant Concertmaster/soloist Tereza Stanislav, acclaimed for her "sure technique and musical intelligence" (Calgary Herald), on the occasion of her 10th anniversary with the Orchestra. Also featured on the program are Beethoven's Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36, noted for its humor, depth, power and vitality, and Elgar's virtuosic Introduction and Allegro for Strings, Op. 47.

Wallfisch, hailed for his versatility as a composer of both film scores and classical works, describes his new piece as exploring the violin's "extremes as a lyrical instrument and fiery virtuoso machine." Written in three movements with an extensive cadenza, the Violin Concerto, says Wallfisch, "reflects extraordinary feats of human agility and aggression" and includes deeply moving passages that provide vivid contrast to the dramatic tension leading up to the climax.

Wallfisch was appointed associate conductor of The English Chamber Orchestra at the age of 22 and has guest conducted the London, BBC and Sydney symphonies and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. He is also an Emmy-, Ivor Novello- and multiple World Soundtrack Award-nominated composer who has worked on 29 feature films, collaborating with directors including Terry Gilliam, Thomas Vinterberg and Lars von Trier.

Benjamin Wallfisch participates in LACO's Concert Preludes, pre-concert talks free to ticket holders that are held one hour prior to curtain and provide insights into the music and artists.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is considered one of the nation's premier orchestras as well as a leader in presenting wide-ranging repertoire and adventurous commissions. Its 2012-13 season, the Orchestra's 44th, features a compelling mix of beloved masterpieces and genre-defying premieres from firmly established and notable up-and-coming composers programmed by Jeffrey Kahane, one of the world's foremost conductors and pianists, who marks his 16th season as LACO's music director.

Tickets ($25 – $110) are on sale now and may be purchased online at laco.org, by calling LACO at 213 622 7001, or at the venue box office on the night of the concert, if tickets remain. Discounted tickets are also available by phone for seniors 65 years of age and older and groups of 12 or more. College students may purchase rush tickets one hour before curtain; also available for college students is the $25 "Campus to Concert Hall All Access Pass" – good for all seven of LACO's Orchestral Series concerts at either the Alex Theatre or UCLA, LACO's Discover Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 at Ambassador Auditorium and for all three Westside Connections concerts at The Broad Stage, plus other benefits.

TEREZA STANISLAV is an active and versatile performer. Highly sought after as a chamber music collaborator, she has appeared in venues such as the Library of Congress, Wigmore Hall and Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall, and with artists such as Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Jon-Kimura Parker and Hung-Kuan Chen. An advocate for new music, Stanislav has worked with many composers and performed several world premieres including Gunther Schuller's Horn Quintet with Julie Landsman, Louis Andriessen's The City of Dis and James Matheson's Violin Sonata. Stanislav has joined the Miró Quartet for several tours and served as concertmaster of the Los Angeles' Opera's 2010 production of The Marriage of Figaro, conducted by Placidó Domingo. In 2009, she was invited to be the chamber music collaborator for sonata programs and member of the jury for the sixth Honens International Piano Competition. During 2011-12, Stanislav was the visiting professor of violin at the University of California Santa Barbara.

An Emmy-nominated composer, BENJAMIN WALLFISCH has worked with award-winning directors including Terry Gilliam and Lars von Trier. Wallfisch studied conducting with Sir Charles Mackerras, Vernon Handley and Bruno Weil. He was appointed associate conductor of The English Chamber Orchestra and was assistant conductor of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra. Guest conducting engagements include the London and BBC symphonies, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the Philharmonia and Ulster orchestras. Acclaimed by The Strad as "one of the finest accompanists anywhere on the podium," Wallfisch has performed with Dame Felicity Lott, Branford Marsalis and Jean-Yves Thibaudet. He orchestrated and conducted Dario Marianelli's Oscar®- and Golden Globe®-winning score for Atonement. Wallfisch received his Master of Music degree with Distinction in composition from the Royal Academy of Music, and graduated from the Joint Course of the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Manchester with First Class Honors.

LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (LACO), proclaimed "America's finest chamber orchestra" by Public Radio International, has established itself among the world's top musical ensembles. Since 1997, LACO has performed under acclaimed conductor and pianist Jeffrey Kahane, hailed by critics as "visionary" and "a conductor of uncommon intellect, insight and musical integrity." Under Kahane's leadership, the Orchestra maintains its status as a preeminent interpreter of historical masterworks and a champion of contemporary composers. During its 44-year history, the Orchestra has made 30 recordings, toured Europe, South America and Japan, performed across North America and garnered seven ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming. LACO presents its Orchestral Series at both the Alex Theatre and Royce Hall, Baroque Conversations at Zipper Hall, Westside Connections chamber music series at The Broad Stage, and an annual Discover concert at Ambassador Auditorium. LACO also presents a Concert Gala, an annual Silent Film screening and several fundraising salons each year. Additionally, LACO's outreach programs Meet the Music, Community Partners, Campus to Concert Hall and the LACO/USC Thornton Strings Mentorship Program reach thousands of young people annually.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
"Beethoven's Second"
Benjamin Wallfisch, conductor
Tereza Stanislav, violin

PROGRAM:
Elgar: Introduction and Allegro for Strings, Op. 47
Benjamin Wallfisch: Violin Concerto (world premiere)
Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36

Saturday, November 10, 8 pm
Alex Theatre
216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale CA 91203

Sunday, November 11, 7 pm
Royce Hall
340 Royce Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90095

TICKET PRICES: $25, 55, 90, 110. (Discounts for groups of 12 or more, seniors 65+ and college students, if available). Tickets available online at laco.org, by phone 213 622 7001 or by fax 213 626 2157. Tickets also on sale at the theatre box office the night of the concert, if available.

CONCERT PRELUDES:
7 pm (Alex Theatre)
6 pm (Royce Hall)

One hour before curtain, pre-concert talks provide insights into the music and artists. Composer/conductor Benjamin Wallfisch participates. Free for all ticket holders.

Pictured: Benjamin Wallfisch. Photo Credit: Shambhala.

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