LA Opera Presents December's BRITTEN 100/LA: A CELEBRATION Events

Throughout 2013, the centenary of British composer Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) has been observed around the world by musicians and institutions of every kind. Music Director James Conlon, whose lifelong fascination with Britten is reflected in his personal three-year performance cycle of the composer's works in America and Europe, is the inspiration for LA Opera's Britten 100/LA: A Celebration, an extensive collaboration featuring performances, conferences and exhibitions presented by a host of organizations throughout the Southland. Britten's centenary year may be drawing to an end, but Britten 100/LA events will continue into early 2014.

Here is a listing of Britten 100/LA events taking place throughout Southern California during the coming month.

DECEMBER EVENTS LISTING
December 1, 8:00pm
Concert featuring "Variations on a Theme by Frank Bridge" (Op. 10, 1937) along with works by Mozart and Vivaldi, performed by the Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay, conducted by Music Director Frances Steiner.

Venue: Norris Center for the Performing Arts (Palos Verdes), 27570 Norris Center Drive (formerly Crossfield Drive), Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274
Information: www.PalosVerdes.com/ChamberOrchestra or310.373.3151

December 6, 8:00pm
The Prodigal Son (Op. 81, 1968) conducted by James Conlon and directed by Ken Cazan, featuring members of the USC Thornton Symphony, eight singers from the USC Thornton Opera, singers from the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, and guest soloists including baritone Phillip Addis (Elder Son), bass Valentin Anikin (Father), Vladimir Dmitruk (Younger Son), tenor Joshua Gerrero (Tempter). This event is free and open to the public; tickets are required. Doors open at 7:30pm for general admission seating.

Venue: First Congregational Church, 540 South Commonwealth Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90020
Information: TheProdigalSon.eventbrite.com

December 8, 7:00pm
Rejoice! Laud to the Nativity
Concert to include A Ceremony of Carols (Op. 28, 1942) as well as Ottorino Respighi's Laud to the Nativity and Stephen Paulus'Christmas Dances.
Presented by the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Grant Gershon (conductor).

Venue: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Information: www.LAMC.org or 213.972.7282

December 12, 7:00pm
James Conlon discusses the music and legacy of Benjamin Britten, with performances of Britten's works by singers from LA Opera's Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. Presented by the Huntington Library.

Venue: Huntington Art Gallery, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
Information: Huntington.org or 626.405.2100

December 19 and 20, 8:00pm
LA Grand Ensemble, conducted by Music Director Ignazio Terrasi, presents a concert featuring Britten's Sinfonietta (Op. 1, 1932) as well as works by Schoenberg, Satie, De Falla and Stravinsky.

Venue: The Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 South Spring Street, Los Angeles CA 90013
Information: www.LAGrandEnsemble.com or 866.811.4111

December 21, 7:00pm
A Ceremony of Carols (Op. 28, 1942) performed by the National
Children's Chorus, Luke McEndarfer (music director).

Venue: The Broad Stage, 1310 11th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Information: www.NationalChildrensChorus.com or 310.475.2070

December 22, 2:30pm
National Theatre Live's 2010 broadcast of Alan Bennett's acclaimed play The Habit of Art, with Richard Griffiths, Alex Jennings and Frances de la Tour, returns to cinemas. In the play, Benjamin Britten, sailing uncomfortably close to the wind with his new opera,Death in Venice, seeks advice from his former collaborator and friend, W. H. Auden. During this imagined meeting, their first for 25 years, they are observed and interrupted by, amongst others, their future biographer and a young man from the local bus station.

Venue: Downtown Independent Cinema, 251 S. Main Street, Los Angeles CA 90012
Information: ntlive.NationalTheatre.org.uk

For more information about Britten 100/LA, including a complete listing of events, please visit www.Britten100LA.org.

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Britten 100/LA is proud to be part of the global celebration Britten 100.

Generous support for Britten 100/LA provided by the Britten-Pears Foundation.