Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's Baroque Conversations to Feature Daria Van Den Bercken, 4/23

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's Baroque Conversations showcases innovative Dutch-Russian pianist Daria van den Bercken on four of Handel's rarely performed keyboard suites in her worldwide quest to share the "incredible beauty" of this unique repertoire, which she has dubbed "Handel at the Piano," on Thursday, April 23, 2015, 7 pm, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles. The featured works include Handel's Suite No. 3 in D minor, HWV 428; Suite No. 2 in F major, HWV 427; Minuet in G minor, HWV 434, No. 4; and Chaconne in G major, HWV 435. A complimentary wine reception for all ticket holders begins at 6 pm.

The concert launches a two-week international artist residency for the pianist that also includes free performances at the Steinway Piano Gallery in "Old Town" Pasadena on April 24, 7 pm, Amoeba Music in Hollywood on April 26, 4 pm, and Hollywood & Highland in collaboration with LACO musicians and a soprano from Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program of the LA Opera on May 1, 6 pm; an appearance with Orchestra members at the 5th Annual Hear Now Music Festival on May 2, 8 pm at First Lutheran Church of Venice; a special in-school program at Hoover Street Elementary School in Los Angeles, on April 24; and other opportunities for van den Bercken to connect with Los Angeles artists and arts educators.

Known for her dedication to sharing Handel's music with as many people as possible, van den Bercken often performs outside the concert hall, including unusual appearances seated at a piano while being towed through the cobbled streets of Amsterdam and while suspended from crane floating above crowds of stunned Brazilians. No wonder, then, that BBC3 hailed her for her skillful performances, proclaiming, "Her joy in Handel's ingenuity shines through." For her unstinting efforts, van den Bercken recently received the prestigious Amsterdam Art Prize from the city of Amsterdam, and in 2012, she presented a TEDxAmsterdam Talk about the state of wonder in music and was subsequently invited to present at a TED conference in Berlin.

LACO's highly regarded five-concert "Baroque Conversations" series, now in its ninth year, explores the genesis of orchestral repertoire from early Baroque schools through the pre-classical period. In signature LACO style, each concert host shares insights into the music and invites questions from the audience, providing an in-depth look at the music being presented as well as an opportunity to get to know LACO artists on a more personal level.

Van den Bercken's residency is made possible by a grant from the City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs, and by Dutch Culture USA, the division of the Kingdom of the Netherland's government that supports and promotes Dutch arts and culture in the US, in partnership with DutchCulture Centre for International Cooperation and the Dutch Fund for the Performing Arts. LACO also acknowledges the support of Steinway & Sons, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission Arts for All, Hollywood Arts Council and Amoeba Music.

Tickets for Baroque Conversations (beginning at $56) are available 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 groups of 12 or more. College students may purchase student rush tickets ($12), based on availability, at the box office the day of the concert.

For more information on Van den Bercken's international artist residency with LACO, visit http://www.laco.org/attend/category/international-artist-residency/.