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The Program: Mark your calendar for these February 2025 SoCal performances.
Note: Though hours and formats are updated regularly, they can change without notice; best to confirm at venue websites.
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
The Incredible Book Eating Boy
Feb. 28-March 16. A delightfully funny family musical about a boy who loves books but doesn’t like reading them. One day he tries nibbling on a page and soon finds himself chomping his way through the school library, getting smarter with each bite. Emmes/Benson Theatre Center, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Vänskä Conducts Sibelius and Beethoven
Feb. 28. Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä is a leading authority on the music of Jean Sibelius, having recorded all seven of the composer’s symphonies. On this program, he leads the Symphony first in Sibelius’ dark and brooding tone poem Tapiola. Rounding out the program is Beethoven’s Emperor piano concerto performed by Finnish pianist and Beethoven expert Paavali Jumppanen. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Song of the Night
Feb. 27-March 1. For the first time, Gustavo Dudamel will lead the LA Phil in Mahler’s Seventh, “a symphony of everything: from chaos to glory, sarcasm to tenderness, from a funeral march to a seductive tango.” (Dudamel). Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Carmina Burana & Bach
Feb 27-March 1. The Grammy Award-winning Pacific Chorale takes centerstage for Carmina Burana, the most frequently performed choral work of the 21st century. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
NORTH COAST REP
What the Constitution Means to Me
Feb. 26-March 23. This emotionally charged theatrical event explores the U.S. Constitution’s significance in contemporary America and the impact is has on individuals and society as a whole. This Tony-nominated and Pulitzer Prize finalist offers a powerful, humor-filled, and though-provoking performance. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Víkingur Ólafsson & Yuja Wang
Feb. 26. Two of today’s finest pianists team up on technically and emotionally complex piano works for four hands, ranging from Dave Brubeck, John Adams, and Arvo Pärt to Rachmaninoff’s nostalgic Symphonic Dances and Schubert’s Fantasie. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
BROADSTAGE
Lucia Micarelli: ROOTS
Feb. 22. Lucia Micarelli presents her newest project “Roots”, a journey through the diverse tapestry of American music—soulful strains of classical masterpieces to the infectious rhythms of jazz and timeless melodies of the Great American Songbook. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
THE WALLIS
iLe
Feb. 21. From her roots as the powerhouse vocalist of Calle 13 to her GRAMMY-winning solo career, iLe brings a mesmerizing blend of traditional Latin rhythms and cutting-edge electronic sounds in an evening of music that transcends boundaries and speaks to the soul.Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Claybourne Elder
Feb. 20-22. Claybourne Elder (The Gilded Age, HBO) takes the Samueli Theater stage for a hilarious and heartfelt evening that is part stand-up and part cabaret. Enjoy his favorite music ranging from the Great American Songbook to Whitney Houston and everything in between. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Mahler’s Journey: Mahler Grooves Festival
Feb. 20-23. Gustavo Dudamel leads Mahler’s Blumine, Symphony No. 10: Adagio, and musical poems from Des Knaben Wunderhorn in the opening weekend of the Mahler Grooves Festival. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
London Symphony Ochestra Mahler’s “Titan” Symphony
Feb. 20. Sir Antonio Pappano, Musical America’s 2024 Conductor of the Year, leads a breathtaking program featuring the heartfelt and romantic Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2. Mahler’s First Symphony. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Rachmaninoff and the Tsar
Feb. 19-March 2. Hershey Felder’s newest musical play will feature him in the role of composer and pianist Sergei Rachmaninoff alongside British-Italian actor Jonathan Silvestri in the role of Tsar Nicholas II. Emmes/Benson Theatre Center, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
LA OPERA
Adoration
Feb. 19-23. Adoration tells two simultaneous stories—a fictional story of terrorism and betrayal juxtaposed with a real story of family strife and rejection of something foreign. An adaptation of Atom Egoyan’s 2008 film of the same name. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., Los Angeles. laopera.org
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
3 Summers of Lincoln
Feb. 18-March 23. It is the summer of 1862 and President Lincoln must find a way to end the Civil War. This new musical tells the inspirational story in our nation’s history. Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Annie
Feb. 18-23. Annie, the beloved story about an orphan girl, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way. Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Hector Olivera, Organ Recital
Feb. 16. Argentinian organist Hector Olivera exercises his remarkable finger and footwork with the 6,134 pipes of “Hurricane Mama.”. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
MTT’s Street Songs and Winter Daydreams
Feb. 15-16. Beloved American conductor and composer Michael Tilson Thomas makes his SDSO debut in this special program that opens with his own Street Song for Symphonic Brass. Rising star pianist Parker van Ostrand will join Tilson Thomas and the Symphony for Rachmaninoff’s demanding Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science
Feb. 15. Grammy award winner, drummer and composer Terri Lyne Carrington takes the BroadStage with her multi-talented sextet Social Science to bring their fresh blend of jazz, indie rock, and hip-hop music. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
PASADENA SYMPHONY & POPS
Dvorák Cello Concerto
Feb. 15. Brett Mitchell leads a program with Mark Kosower performing Dvorák’s Cello Concerto. The program will also highlight Wagner’s “Maghic Fire Music” from Die Walküre and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S. St. John Ave., Pasadena. pasadenasymphony-pops.org
THE MUSIC CENTER
Batsheva Dance Company
Feb. 14-16. The critically acclaimed Batsheva Dance Company presents a shared passion of sorrow and beauty in its newest evening length work MOMO, from master choreographer Ohad Naharin. In the company’s words, “MOMO has two souls. One sends long roots to the depths of the earth and the other is in a constant search for an individual and distinct DNA. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles. musiccenter.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
A Night at the Copa
Feb. 14-15. A mystery awaits Pacific Symphony with a audience favorite group that returns by popular demand. This ensemble from Portland, Oregon mixes it up with a cocktail of classical zest, Latin heat, and jazz-tinted pop in a polyglot’s dream of seven languages. They’ll be celebrating 30 years of musical escapades this season. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert HallA, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.pacificsymphony.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Takács Quartet with David Requiro, Cello
Feb. 14. The world-renowned Takács Quartet enters its 50th season and returns to Samueli Theater with a beautiful program that will include Haydn, Britten and Schubert. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
What the World Needs Now
Feb. 14. Rob Fisher, music director and piano, is joined by vocalists Ross Lekites and Bianca Marroquin to proclaim what “there’s just too little of…love, sweet love.” Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego sandiegosymphony.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Ravel & Brahms
Feb. 13-16. South Korean pianist Seong-Jin Cho returns to join the LA Philharmonic for Ravel’s joyful Concerto in G, and Grammy award-winning conductor Paavo Järvi leads a Brahms quartet lovingly orchestrated by Schoenberg. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
An Evening with Joshua Bell
Feb 13. Wth a career spanning almost four decades, Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell is one of the most celebrated artists of his era. He joins Pacific Symphony and Music Director Carl St.Clair for a special evening during this celebratory season. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
Lise Davidsen
Feb. 11. Winner of the Operalia competition in London, opera superstar, Lise Davidsen returns to the BroadStage for the Celebrity Opera Series. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Seong-Jin Cho
Feb. 11. Seong-Jin Cho, a pianist beloved by audiences worldwide, returns to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for a highly anticipated recital of music by Maurice Ravel, showcasing his tender yet assertive technique. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
Kodo: Warabe
Feb. 11. Warabe blends simple forms of taiko expression that celebrate the unique sound, resonance, and physicality synonymous with Kodo—forever children of the drum at heart. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
A NOISE WITHIN
William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Feb. 9-March 9. In the Bard’s grand and gripping tale of murder, treason, ambition and greed, Macbeth and his wife will stop at nothing in their pursuit of wealth and power. 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. anoisewithin.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends
Feb. 8-March 9. CTG presents the North American premiere of Old Friends starring Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga—a theatrical event that is a celebration of the life and work of Stephen Sondheim, musically staged and directed by Matthew Bourne. Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Empty Ride
Feb. 8-March 2. A major new American play that first launched in the 2024 Powers New Voices Festival. Kisa, a painter in Paris, returns to her small Japanese hometown after the 2011 tsunami to help her ailing father by driving his taxi cab. But as she navigates the winding streets and transports her eccentric passengers, she is haunted by the supernatural remnants of what the floodwaters left behind. Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego.
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Symphonic Journeys: Strauss, Walton, Brahms
Feb. 8-9. Music Director Rafael Payare conducts the Symphony in Strauss’ powerful tone poem along with William Walton’s beautifully lyrical and nostalgic Viola Concerto with Chi-Yuan Chen on viola. The concert ends with Brahms’ melancholy and hauntingly beautiful Second Symphony. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Tchaikovsky & The Mermaid
Feb. 7-9. Conductor Xian Zhang leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Zemlinsky’s The Mermaid, and pianist George Li effortlessly performs Tchaikovsky’s titanic Piano Concerto. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Samara Joy
Feb. 7. 2023 Best New Artist Grammy winner, Samara Joy, makes her Walt Disney Concert Hall debut with her distinctive style and voice that has been compared to legendary singers like Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Pines of Rome
Feb. 6-8. Bernstein’s high-spirited musical prelude sets the stage for two contemporary works that follow: a new piano concerto by esteemed composer Adolphus Hailstork and a new and colorful orchestral work by Pacific Symphony’s Composer-in-Residence, Viet Cuong. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
THE WALLIS
The Great Yes, The Great No
Feb. 5-8. Conceived and directed by William Kentridge, The Wallis presents The Great Yes, The Great No—party play, part Greek choir, part chamber opera. It is a story that mixes history in 1941 Merseille, with fiction and augments reality. Bram Goldsmith Theater, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
KODO
Feb. 4. The pulse-pounding rhythms of traditional Japanese drumming, taiko, return with a new program, One Earth Tour 2025: Warabe. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
LA PHILHARMONIC
Schubert, Strauss & Saariaho
Feb. 2. Conductor Susanna Mälkki leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Schubert’s chilling yet charming two-movement symphony, nicknamed the “Unfinished.” Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
BROADSTAGE
Imani Winds
Feb. 1. Recent Grammy-winning wind ensemble Imani Winds takes the stage to perform “Grooves and Meditations”. The ensemble delivers a captivating program of works by modern composers including a newly commissioned work inspired by contemporary issues and historical events. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
LA OPERA
Kelli O’Hara in Concert
Feb. 1. From her Tony-winning performance in The King and I, to starring in The Hours at the Met and The Gilded Age on HBO, Kelli O’Hara dazzles at every turn. Her eagerly anticipated company debut, in concert with the LA Opera Orchestra, promises a heart-filling evening of beloved show tunes and more. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles. laopera.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Celebrating MTT
Feb. 1. Michael Tilson Thomas has been part of the LA Phil family for more than five decades, and the orchestra celebrates MTT’s 80th birthday with a not-to-be-missed special night of music. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Lunar New Year
Feb. 1. Join us for Pacific Symphony’s annual festivities honoring Lunar New Year with a color presentation of Eastern and Western music and dance. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Fake It Until You Make It
Through March 9. A bold world premiere comedy from Los Angeles-based playwright, Larissa FastHorse, who focuses her keen sense of satire to examine Native American perspectives on contemporary life. Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. centertheatregroup.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Kimberly Akimbo
Through Feb. 2. A new musical about growing up and growing old, Kimberly Akimbo is the winner of 5 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL. It features Tony Award-winning book and lyrics), a Tony Award-winning score, choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
THE OLD GLOBE
Appropriate
Through Feb. 23. A comic drama about estranged siblings that gather to settle their late father’s Arkansas estate. Amid the clutter they uncover a shocking relic, forcing them to confront long-buried secrets and decades of resentment. Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego.
NORTH COAST REP
The Heart Sellers
Through Feb. 2. The Heart Sellers by Lloyd Suh makes its San Diego premiere at North Coast Repertory. It is a portrayal of intelligent, curious and creative immigrant women navigating the challenges of living in a new country. Suh blends drama and humor to touch upon the insights and complexities of the human heart. 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Solana Beach. northcoastrep.org
LA MIRADA THEATRE
The Play that Goes Wrong
Through Feb. 16. The Cornley Drama Society is putting on a 1920s murder mystery, but as the title suggests, everything that can go wrong… does! The accident-prone thespians battle against all odds to make it through to their final curtain call with hilarious consequences!La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada.lamiradatheatre.com
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Wish You Were Here
Through Feb. 2. In this enlightened comedy, Pulitzer Prize winner and Orange County native Sanaz Toossi chronicles a decade of life, as best friends become friends long lost, searching for the bond that once defined them. Emmes/Benson Theatre Center, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE
Follies and Anything Goes
Jan. 24-Feb. 1. Two iconic musical in two weekends. Follies and Anything Goes in concert featuring some of American musical theater’s most beloved songs performed on back-to-back weekends complete with full orchestrations. 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. pasadenaplayhouse.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Orchestral Evolution: Childs’ Premiere and Beethoven’s Eroica
Jan. 31-Feb. 1. The program begins with the World Premiere of LA-born, Grammy award winning composer Billy Child’s Concerto for Orchestra and ends with Beethoven’s Eroica symphony. Pianist Alexander Malofeev also takes the Jacobs Music Center stage in Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
Photos courtesy of business and venue
