Guest Conductor David Danzmayr Leads L.A. Chamber Orchestra In Program Of Ligeti Concerto

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, led by guest conductor David Danzmayr, presents Beethoven's nature-inspired Symphony No. 6, "Pastoral," and renowned violinist Jennifer Koh performing Ligeti's virtuosic Violin Concerto, a "hair-raising" (The Guardian) "work of eclecticism and wonder, full of beauty and surprises" (San Francisco Chronicle) on Friday, November 16, 8 pm, at CSUN's The Soraya, Saturday, November 17, 8 pm, at the Alex Theatre, and Sunday, November 18, 2018, 7 pm, at Royce Hall. Danzmayr also conducts Korngold's Straussiana, an homage to "waltz king" Johann Strauss and Korngold's native Austria. LACO's vibrant, engaging Orchestral Series showcases the ensemble's remarkable artistry and trademark mix of orchestral masterpieces and new works from today's leading composers.

Koh, a new music advocate, frequently performs Ligeti's avant-garde and technically demanding concerto, and even gave the Russian premiere of the work with the Mariinsky Orchestra under Valery Gergiev in 2008. She relates what she finds striking about the concerto: "This music captures every side of humanity; it captures the most intimate sides of who we are, and the most delicate and fragile sides, as well as the most extreme parts of who we are as human beings." Koh, a "brilliant violinist" (Chicago Tribune) recognized for her commanding performances and technical virtuosity, was named Musical America's 2016 Instrumentalist of the Year. A forward-thinking artist dedicated to exploring a broad and eclectic repertoire while promoting diversity and inclusivity in classical music, she has expanded the contemporary violin repertoire through a wide range of commissioning projects and has premiere more than 70 works written for her. Koh is active not only in the concert hall, but also as a lecturer, teacher and recording artist. This season, Cedille Records releases her recording of works by Kaija Saariaho, whose music she has long championed and with whom she has closely collaborated. Scheduled for release in November 2018, the album is Koh's twelfth release on the Chicago-based label.

Danzmayr, hailed as "extremely concise, clear, incisive and expressive" (The Herald), is widely regarded as one of the most talented and exciting European conductors of his generation. He is Music Director of Ohio's ProMusica and Chief Conductor of the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra in Croatia. The Austrian-born conductor has guest conducted the Iceland Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Salzburg Chamber Philharmonic and Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, among many others.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) ranks among the world's top musical ensembles. Beloved by audiences and praised by critics, the Orchestra is known as a champion of contemporary composers, with eight ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming, as well as a preeminent interpreter of historical masterworks. Headquartered in the heart of the country's cultural capital, LACO has been proclaimed "America's finest chamber orchestra" (Public Radio International), "LA's most unintimidating chamber music experience" (Los Angeles magazine), "resplendent" (Los Angeles Times) and "one of the world's great chamber orchestras"(KUSC Classical FM). Performing throughout greater Los Angeles, the Orchestra presents orchestral, Baroque and chamber concerts, as well as salon evenings in private spaces and unique experiences that explore classical music's cutting-edge sounds. LACO's long history of educational outreach encompasses programs integral to its mission of nurturing future musicians and composers as well as inspiring a love of classical music. Jaime Martín, praised as "a visionary conductor, discerning and meticulous" (Platea Magazine), is LACO's Music Director Designate and takes the podium as Music Director in the 2019-20 season.

Steinway is the official piano of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

Concert Preludes, pre-concert talks held one hour before curtain and free for ticket holders, provide insights into the program's music and artists.

Tickets for concerts at Alex Theatre and Royce Hall start at $28 and may be purchased online at laco.org or by calling LACO at 213 622 7001 x1. The concert at The Soraya is available for purchase at thesoraya.org or by calling 818 677 3000. Discounted tickets are also available by phone for seniors 65 years of age and older and groups of 12 or more. Students with valid student ID may purchase discounted tickets ($8), based on availability.