LACO to Present Five 'A La Carte' Fundraisers, Sept-Nov 2013

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) presents five intimate, elegant and entertaining "LACO à la carte" fundraising events pairing delectable international cuisine with exclusive musical performances in the spectacular private homes of the Consuls General of Italy, France, Germany and Australia as well as one event at a magnificent private estate in Brentwood.

Providing a decidedly cosmopolitan flair to LACO's wide ranging musical offerings and illustrating that music truly knows no boundaries, each unique event features a different type of cuisine complemented by a salon performance by LACO musicians and guest artists.

The series, now in its fifth year, also celebrates milestone LACO anniversaries of Principal Harp JoAnn Turovsky, in her 25th year with the Orchestra, and the 15th anniversaries of Principal Violin II Josefina Vergara and Associate Principal Violin II Sarah Thornblade. Proceeds help support education outreach programs of LACO, proclaimed "America's finest chamber orchestra" by Public Radio International.

"LACO à la carte" is chaired by LACO board member Mahnaz Newman. Sponsors include Ahmad and Haleh Gramian, Ann Mulally, Mahnaz and David Newman, Ned and Dana Newman, Michael and Linda Rosen and Gene Shutler.

"Italy à la carte"
Saturday, September 28, 2013, 6 pm
In the Hollywood Hills at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Italy

Experience mouthwatering cuisine and celebrated wines of Italy at the first "LACO à la carte" of the season hosted by the Honorable Giuseppe Perrone, Consul General of Italy, and Mr. John Brooks in their beautiful Hollywood Hills residence. Musical highlights, paying homage to the violin's Italian roots include dazzling duets performed by LACO Concertmaster Margaret Batjer and Violin Julie Gigante.

"Iran à la carte" - Premium Event Celebrating LACO's 45th Anniversary
Saturday, October 5, 2013, 7 pm
At the Brentwood Residence of Ahmad and Haleh Gramian

LACO pulls out the stops to celebrate the 45th anniversary of its inaugural concert when dedicated LACO Board member Ahmad Gramian and his wife, Haleh, host the second "LACO à la carte" in their gorgeous Brentwood home. Concertmaster Margaret Batjer, Assistant Concertmaster Tereza Stanislav and LACO principals Roland Kato, viola, and Andrew Shulman, cello, explore works by Mozart and others, as well as musical themes of freedom, tolerance and justice in honor of the Cyrus Cylinder, the 2,600-year-old Persian human rights artifact on view at the Getty Villa in October. Exquisite Persian delicacies, beautifully presented in three lavish buffet courses, add a flavorful note to the anniversary celebration.

"France à la carte"
Thursday, October 17, 2013, 7 pm
in Beverly Hills at the Official Residence of the Consul General of France

The Honorable Axel Cruau, Consul General of France, and Mrs. Dourène Cruau, host the season's third "LACO à la carte" at their stately French residence in Beverly Hills in an evening illuminating the dazzling cultural and musical vibrancy of France with a recital of unaccompanied cello works performed by noted guest artist Jean-Guihen Queyras, who is also featured in the LACO's Orchestral Series concerts on October 19 and 20. Superb French food and fine wine cap the party.

"Germany à la carte"
Saturday, November 2, 2013, 7 pm
In Hancock Park at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Germany

"LACO à la carte" continues when Principal Violin II Josefina Vergara and Associate Principal Violin II Sarah Thornblade are spotlighted on the occasion of their 15th anniversaries with LACO at a cosmopolitan evening showcasing the culinary riches of Germany hosted by the Honorable Consul General of Germany, Dr. Bernd Fischer, and Mrs. Jutta Fischer, in their elegant Hancock Park home. LACO Principal Keyboard Patricia Mabee and cello Trevor Handy join Vergara and Thornblade to perform the music of JS Bach and his contemporaries, providing flair to a delicious German dinner complete with wine and Kölsch beer.

"Australia à la carte"
Friday, November 8, 2013, 7 pm
In Brentwood at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Australia

Concluding the 2013 "LACO à la carte" series in grand style is an evening that invites guests to travel "down under" for a taste of Australia's flourishing wine industry and inventive cuisine while celebrating the beauty and mystery of the harp. The event, hosted by Australia's Consul General, the Honorable Karen Lanyon, and Mr. Craig Mills, at their beautiful Brentwood residence, features an intimate concert of Debussy's Sonata for Flute, Viola and Harp performed by Principal Harp JoAnn Turovsky, marking her 25th anniversary with LACO, Australian-born Victoria Miskolczy, associate principAl Viola, and David Shostac, principal flute.

"LACO à la carte" tickets are $275 per person. Tickets for the premium "Iran à la carte" are $325 per person. Multiple-event packages include Chef's Table Trio tickets at $700 per person for three events. Premium Chef's Table Trio tickets for three events including the premium event are $750 per person.

"LACO à la carte" events may be purchased by calling 213 622 7001 x 3. Details are available at www.laco.org/events.

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 the baton of acclaimed conductor and pianist Jeffrey Kahane, hailed by critics as "visionary" and "a conductor of uncommon intellect, insight and musical integrity" with "undeniable charisma." Under Kahane's leadership, the Orchestra maintains its status as a preeminent interpreter of historical masterworks and a champion of contemporary composers. During its 45-year history, the Orchestra has made 31 recordings, toured Europe, South America and Japan, performed across North America and garnered eight ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming. Headquartered in downtown Los Angeles, LACO presents its Orchestral Series on Saturdays either at Pasadena's Ambassador Auditorium or Glendale's Alex Theatre and on Sundays at UCLA's Royce Hall; Baroque Conversations at downtown Los Angeles' Zipper Concert Hall; Westside Connections chamber music series, designed to illustrate the relationship between music and other artistic disciplines, at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica; and an annual Discover concert, which features an in-depth examination that sheds new light on a single piece of music, at Pasadena's Ambassador Auditorium. LACO also presents a Concert Gala, an annual Silent Film screening and several fundraising salons each year. Additionally, LACO 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, nurturing future musicians and composers as well as inspiring a love of classical music.

Pictured: Concertmaster Margaret Batjer and Josefina Vergara, Principal Violin II. Photo Credit: Michael Miller.