Oboe Virtuoso Allan Vogel to Lead LA Chamber Orchestra's 'Baroque Conversations'

The third concert in Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's (LACO) engaging Baroque Conversations series highlights esteemed LACO Principal Oboe Allan Vogel, who is retiring at season's end after 44 years with the Orchestra, on Bach's beloved Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, on Thursday, March 24, 2016, 7 pm at Zipper Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles.

Vogel has soloed on the piece a record 19 times during his tenure with the Orchestra. Featured with him are Principal Trumpet David Washburn, LACO Concertmaster Margaret Batjer and Principal Flute David Shostac, who is also retiring at season's end after 41 years with the Orchestra and who has been featured 18 times previously with LACO on this Concerto.

In celebration of Vogel's remarkable artistry and as a tribute to his enduring legacy with LACO, the evening also showcases him with Batjer on Bach's Concerto in C minor for Violin and Oboe, on which Vogel has soloed with LACO 14 times previously and also recorded with violinist Hilary Hahn and LACO for Deutsche Grammophone.

Completing the program are two chamber works by Telemann - both of which spotlight Vogel - Essercizii musici: Trio No. 12 in E-flat major, for oboe and two harpsichords; and Quartetto in D major, for two oboes, trumpet, cello and harpsichord continuo, with LACO Music Director Jeffrey Kahane, harpsichord; Principal Keyboard Patricia Mabee, harpsichord; Principal Cello Andrew Shulman; Claire Brazeau, oboe; and Washburn.

Vogel, "an aristocrat of his instrument, an oboe virtuoso with few equals" (Los Angeles Times) and "undoubtedly one of the few world masters" (San Diego Union), joined LACO in 1972 and became principal oboe in 1974. He has performed as guest principal oboe with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and appeared with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Berlin and Los Angeles philharmonics. He has been featured at the Marlboro, Santa Fe, Aspen and Mostly Mozart festivals, among others, and performed at the White House during the last state dinner of the Clinton presidency. Vogel is on the faculty of the California Institute of the Arts, the University of Southern California and the Colburn School Conservatory of Music.

The enlightening five-concert Baroque Conversations series provides insight into the genesis of orchestral repertoire from early Baroque schools through the pre-classical period. As host of the evening, Vogel introduces the music from the stage and engages the audience in Q&A to conclude the concert. A complimentary wine reception for all ticket holders begins at 6 pm. Additional Baroque Conversations performances take place on Thursday, April 21, 2016, 7 pm, at Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles; and Saturday, May 21, 2016, 8 pm, at USC's Bovard Auditorium in partnership with the 2016 Piatigorsky International Cello Festival. Baroque Conversations is generously sponsored by Carol & Warner Henry, a Friend of LACO and the Ronus Foundation.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is considered one of the world's premier chamber orchestras as well as a pacesetter in presenting wide-ranging repertoire and adventurous commissions. Its 2015-16 season, features a compelling mix of beloved masterpieces and genre-defying premieres from firmly established as well as notable up-and-coming composers programmed by Jeffrey Kahane, one of the world's foremost conductors and pianists, who marks his 19th season as LACO's music director.

Tickets, starting at $65, are available online at laco.org, or by calling LACO at 213 622 7001. Single tickets can also be purchased at the venue box office on the night of the concert, if tickets remain. Discounted tickets are available by phone for groups of 12 or more. College students may purchase student rush tickets ($12), based on availability, at the box office an hour before the concert.

PROGRAM:
TELEMANN Essercizii musici: Trio No. 12 in E-flat major, TWV 42:Es 3
TELEMANN Quartetto in D major, TWV 43:D7
BACH Concerto in C minor for Violin and Oboe, BWV 1060
BACH Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047

Photo Credit: Michael Burke