LA Chamber Orchestra Fundraisers Pair Salon Performances with International Cuisine & Spectacular Homes

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra pairs exclusive musical performances with delectable international cuisine at "LACO à la carte," five intimate, elegant fundraising evenings celebrating Austria, Brazil, Mexico, Turkey and Finland in the spectacular private homes of members of the region's international community.

This year's à la carte fundraisers salute Jeffrey Kahane, who steps down as LACO Music Director at the end of the 2016-17 season after leading the Orchestra for two decades. Providing a decidedly cosmopolitan flair to LACO's wide ranging musical offerings, each program includes a reception and dinner featuring an array of gourmet specialties and beverages of the host country complemented by a salon performance spotlighting LACO musicians and guest artists. The LACO à la carte series, now in its eighth year, illustrates that music truly knows no boundaries. Proceeds help support the education and community engagement programs of LACO, proclaimed "America's finest chamber orchestra" by Public Radio International.

"LACO à la carte" is chaired by LACO Board Vice President Mahnaz Newman. Sponsors include Leslie Lassiter and Raulee Marcus; Mahnaz and David Newman; Ned and Dana Newman; Gene Shutler; and Anne-Marie & Alex Spataru.

Full schedule below:

"AUSTRIA À LA CARTE"
Saturday, September 10, 2016, 7 pm
In Brentwood at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Austria
"Austria à la carte," hosted by Ulrike Ritzinger, The Honorable Consul General of Austria, at her stately residence in Brentwood, opens the 2016 "LACO à la carte" series with an evening that illuminates the country's unique and vibrant cultural and culinary traditions. LACO Assistant Concertmaster Tereza Stanislav leads a musical salon, inspired by Music Director Jeffrey Kahane's legacy of adventurous programming, of Austrian classical music and the rich contemporary music that is its heir.

"BRAZIL À LA CARTE"
Saturday, September 17, 2016, 7 pm
In Santa Monica at the Private Residence of Claudia and Roberto Apelfeld
Following on the heels of the Summer Olympics in Rio, LACO's "Brazil à la carte," generously hosted by Claudia and Roberto Apelfeld at their elegant Santa Monica residence, sets a festive mood with authentic Brazilian cuisine and libations, including Brazil's national cocktail, the caipirinha, prepared by chef Maria Fonseca. LACO Flute Sandy Hughes leads an eclectic program of Brazilian music.

"MEXICO À LA CARTE" (premium event)
Friday, September 30, 2016, 7 pm
In Hancock Park at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Mexico
Warm and generous hospitality from the United States' genial neighbor to the south highlights LACO's "Mexico à la carte," hosted by Mexico's Consul General, The Honorable Carlos Garcia de Albaat, in his elegant Hancock Park residence. A fiesta featuring authentic Mexican cuisine, tequila, mezcal and aguas frescas sets a festive mood and provides savory accompaniment for an intimate recital by LACO Music Director Jeffrey Kahane on piano and LACO Principal Cello Andrew Shulman and a guest performance by Mexican flautist Horacio Franco.

"TURKEY À LA CARTE"
Saturday, October 8, 2016, 7 pm
In Hancock Park at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Turkey
The Honorable R. Gülru Gezer, Consul General of Turkey extends a warm Turkish welcome for LACO's "Turkey à la carte," hosted in her classic Hancock Park consular residence and featuring delectable Turkish cuisine prepared by the resident chef. LACO Concertmaster Margaret Batjer, joined by other LACO artists, is featured in a varied program inspired by this fascinating country at the crossroads of East and West.

"FINLAND À LA CARTE"
Thursday, October 13, 2016, 7 pm
In Bel Air at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Finland
Experience the refined cuisine and culture of one of the world's northernmost countries at LACO's "Finland à la carte" evening hosted by The Honorable Juha Markkanen, Consul General of Finland in his spectacular Bel Air residence. The evening features a fond farewell to LACO PrincipAl Viola Roland Kato, who retires this fall, with LACO principal bassoon Kenneth Munday joining him for a program of Finnish favorites and more. Delicious Scandinavian cuisine and specialty cocktails cap this Nordic fête.

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 with "effortless musicality and extraordinary communicative gifts." Under Kahane's leadership, the Orchestra maintains its status as a preeminent interpreter of historical masterworks and a champion of contemporary composers.

Tickets for each "LACO à la carte" event are $400 per person, except for "Mexico à la carte," a premium event, for which tickets are $500 per person. Tickets may be purchased by calling 213 622 7001 x 3. Details are available at www.laco.org/events.

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