SoCalPulse

Canto en resistencia
2023-11-10 - 2023-11-12 | Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
Dudamel leads the LA Phil and special guests in a musical tribute to Latina American artists and activists ranging from Violeta Parra to Silvana Estrada.
Friday at 8 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday at 2 p.m.

Joseph Calleja
2023-11-11 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | broadstage, 1310 11TH STREET, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, United States
Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja, celebrated for his nostalgic, golden-age voice and likened to legendary singers by the Associated Press, returns to BroadStage in the 2023/24 Celebrity Opera Recital Series. Acclaimed for his extensive discography and performances on prominent opera, concert, and TV stages, Calleja is among today’s most sought-after tenors. His recent engagements include prestigious opera houses like the Metropolitan Opera, Paris Opera, and Royal Opera House, where he earned a GRAMMY® nomination for “La Traviata.” Named Gramophone Magazine’s Artist of the Year in 2012, Calleja is praised by NPR as “arguably today’s finest lyric tenor,” captivating audiences with his warm tone and masterful stage presence.

Nella Debuts in CAP UCLA
2023-11-11 20:00 - 22:00 | CAP AT UCLA, 10745 Dickson Ct., Los Angeles, 90095, United States
Venezuelan singer Nella, known for her rich and soulful voice, combines her country’s folklore, contemporary sounds, and Andalusian influences in her Spanish-language music. She discovered her mentor and collaborator, producer and songwriter Javier Limón, while studying at Berklee College of Music. Nella’s career propelled forward when she appeared in the film “Everybody Knows” with Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, featuring songs by Limón. Her debut album “Voy,” released in 2019, earned her a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist. Additionally, Nella worked with Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, contributing to the soundtrack of “Free Color,” a documentary about artist Carlos Cruz Diez.

Chaparral and Interstates: Green Umbrella
2023-11-14 20:00 - 22:00 | Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
In a concert produced in collaboration with the Ojai Music Festival, Vimbayi Kaziboni leads new music by California composers.

California Festival: FRAGMENTS 2
2023-11-15 20:00 - 22:00 | Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
Weilerstein’s FRAGMENTS 2 weaves together Bach’s Cello Suites with newly commissioned compositions for an ambitious multisensory concert experience.

Dudamel and the Music of Tango and Ballet
2023-11-17 - 2023-11-19 | Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
Gustavo Dudamel and Gabriela Ortiz, curator of the Pan-American Music Initiative, deepen their collaboration with a program honoring activist women. It features ‘Stride’ by Tania León, inspired by Susan B. Anthony, which won her the Pulitzer Prize, and Ortiz’s new ballet score, echoing the 2019 ‘Glitter Revolution’ in Mexico City, where women protested against sexual violence. Joining them is violinist Leticia Moreno, celebrated for her ‘exalted lyricism and captivating power’ (El País), to perform Astor Piazzolla’s dramatic, tango-infused ‘Four Seasons of Buenos Aires’ with the orchestra.

Takács Quartet
2023-11-17 19:30 - 21:30 | broadstage, 1310 11TH STREET, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, United States
Returning after a sold-out show last year, The Takács Quartet, celebrated for their innovative programming and virtuosity, is back at BroadStage. This time, they present a compelling mix of Haydn, Beethoven, and a new piece by Los Angeles native and esteemed violist Nokuthula Ngwenyama, featured in the California Festival. Ngwenyama’s composition, “Flow,” commissioned for the Takács Quartet, is a contemplative work on climate change. In her exploration of the natural world, she delves into diverse phenomena like starling murmurations, black hole collisions, and the musical translation of protein sequences, including Sars-Covid-2 variants, reflecting on nature’s dynamic flow and interconnectedness.
The New York Times has lauded The Takács Quartet as “one of the world’s greatest string quartets.” Celebrating their 49th season, they mark this occasion with a performance that embodies the creative spirit flourishing in California.
Nokothula Ngwenyama, hailed by Gramophone for her “bold mesmerizing character” in music, rose to fame at 16 after winning the Primrose International Viola Competition. She has since performed globally, including with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and in prestigious venues like the Kennedy Center and the Louvre. An alumna of Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences and the Colburn School, she furthered her studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Paris as a Fulbright Scholar and holds a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University. Ngwenyama has served as the president of the American Viola Society and director of the Primrose International Viola Competition.

Disney in Concert
2023-11-18 | The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA, 91330, United States
In celebration of The Walt Disney Company’s 100th Anniversary, The Soraya presents an official centennial retrospective, paying musical tribute to Disney’s legacy of creativity. This event features carefully selected excerpts from Disney’s animated film catalog and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the renowned ‘Disney Vault.’ Audiences will relish the opportunity to experience beloved classics revived through performances by the New West Symphony, under the direction of CSUN alumnus Richard Kaufman.
Saturday, 3 p.m.
Saturday, 8 p.m.

Celebrating 40 Years!
2023-11-18 - 2023-11-19 | First Presbyterian Church, 1220 2nd St., Santa Monica, CA, 90401, United States
The Verdi Chorus marks its 40th Anniversary with the special Fall 2023 Concert 40!, taking place at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica on November 18 and 19. Celebrating Anne Marie Ketchum’s 40 years as Artistic Director, the chorus, unique in Southern California for its focus on opera chorus music, will perform pieces from Verdi’s ‘Nabucco’, ‘Don Carlo’, and ‘La Traviata’, along with Saint Saëns’ ‘Samson and Delilah’, and Mascagni’s ‘Cavalleria Rusticana.
Sat, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sun, November 19 4: and at p.m.

LUX: The Music of Morten Lauridsen & Billy Childs
2023-11-18 - 2023-11-19 | Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
In ‘Lux Aeterna’ (Eternal Light), a captivating work first performed by the Los Angeles Master Chorale in 1997, composer Lauridsen offers a profound and inspiring piece that ignited a global choral music revival. This masterpiece will be paired with a world premiere by renowned jazz pianist and composer Billy Childs. The performance reunites the Chorale with esteemed violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, along with the Billy Childs Jazz/Chamber Ensemble and The Lyris Quartet.

El Ultimo Sueno de Frida & Diego
2023-11-18 - 2023-12-09 | Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
When a desperate wish on Day of the Dead reunites Diego Rivera with his wife Frida Kahlo, he jumps at the chance to seek forgiveness. The artists’ paintings merge with a folklore-inspired score under the command of Resident Conductor Lina González-Granados.

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
2023-11-18 08:00 - 17:00 | Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S St. John Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, United States
Award-winning pianist Natasha Paremski will showcase her acclaimed Rachmaninoff interpretation skills in a challenging rhapsody, praised by the Chicago Tribune for its authenticity. Additionally, the Composer’s Showcase will feature Patrick Harlin’s ‘Earthrise’, inspired by the famous lunar mission photo and composed after his missed opportunity to join Elon Musk’s Space X flight. This piece is a highlight of the California Festival: A Celebration of New Music, a collaborative effort by the LA Phil, San Diego, and San Francisco Symphonies.
Saturday, 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia
2023-11-18 20:00 - 22:00 | CAP AT UCLA, 10745 Dickson Ct., Los Angeles, 90095, United States
Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, and Edgar Meyer, virtuosos from distinct musical worlds of bluegrass, Indian classical, and Western classical music, unite in their latest collaboration, ‘As We Speak’. Renowned for their improvisational prowess, they blend diverse musical styles effortlessly. This performance highlights their instrumental versatility, weaving together intricate Indian rhythms, deep bass grooves, and the complexities of raga. They are joined by bansuri expert Rakesh Chaurasia, enhancing the ensemble’s dynamic range.

An Afternoon with David Sedaris
2023-11-19 15:00 - 17:00 | The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA, 91330, United States
The humorist, David Sedaris, is back at The Soraya, presenting a fresh set of amusing insights on topics like adult braces and America’s efforts to return to normalcy post-pandemic. Expect an entertaining evening with Sedaris that promises to keep the audience laughing.

Dog Man: The Musical
2023-11-21 - 2024-01-01 | Kirk Douglas Theatre, 9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA, 90232, United States
Adapted from Dav Pilkey’s bestselling series, ‘Dog Man: The Musical’ is a delightful new show chronicling the adventures of Dog Man, a hero with a dog’s head and a policeman’s body. Known for his crime-fighting prowess and tendency to chew furniture, Dog Man faces challenges like battling Flippy the cyborg fish and his Beasty Buildings, and outsmarting Petey, the world’s most evil cat. The story is further enlivened by George and Harold’s race against time to complete their show. This musical adventure brings to life the humor and warmth of Dav Pilkey’s famous characters, including those from Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club.

Love Actually Live at The Wallis
2023-11-22 - 2023-12-09 | The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, 92010, United States
LOVE ACTUALLY LIVE, the highly praised theatrical event, returns to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film. Featuring a London cityscape backdrop, the show combines iconic scenes from the movie with performances by all-star singers and a live orchestra. This beloved L.A. holiday tradition creates a stunning winter wonderland, blending film with live action for a memorable experience.

Flamenco! Maria Bermudez' Sonidos Gitanos
2023-11-25 20:00 | Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
Walt Disney Concert Hall hosts an extraordinary evening of flamenco, showcasing the elegance, majesty, and power of this traditional Spanish art form. This premier event features revered gypsy artists, known both in Spain and globally, presenting a blend of traditional and contemporary flamenco. It’s an unmissable night that promises to transport the audience to the heart of Spanish culture.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
2023-11-30 20:00 - 22:00 | The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA, 91330, United States
Bach’s six pieces of the Baroque era, the Brandenburg Concertos, is presented by the Los Angeles Orchestra.

Mozart's "Prague" Symphony
2024-01-06 - 2024-01-07 | Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
Former Dudamel Fellow Gemma New and the LA Phil capture the complexities and sophistications of Mozart’s “Prague” symphony.
Saturday at 8 p.m.
Sunday at 2 p.m.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles

Christian Schmitt
2024-01-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
A regular performer on the global stage, the German virtuoso returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall to breathe life into its organ “Hurricane Mama” once again.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.

Mahler 6 with Dudamel
2024-01-11 - 2024-01-12 | Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90012, United States
Hammer blows fall when Dudamel leads Mahler’s emotionally complex “Tragic” Symphony.
Thursday, January 11 at 8 p.m.
Friday, January 12 at 11 a.m.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles

Both And (a Play About Laughing While Black)
2024-01-13 - 2024-01-28 | The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, 92010, United States
Experience a unique and powerful theater performance with ‘Both And (A Play About Laughing While Black)’, created and performed by Carolyn Ratteray. This show combines clowning, poetic language, and an impressive solo performance to explore the essence of Black happiness. The story follows Teayanna, who finds herself in a mysterious realm between life and death while trying to assist her dying mother.
During her journey, Teayanna encounters ancestral wisdom, reflects on the history of the Middle Passage, and discovers unexpected secrets in her mother’s purse. This play is a captivating blend of humor, raw truth, and enthusiasm, offering a profound reflection on reconnecting with joy.

In Momentum: Time and Space
2024-01-16 20:00 - 22:00 | CAP AT UCLA, 10745 Dickson Ct., Los Angeles, 90095, United States
Join acclaimed pianist Althea Waites for ‘Momentum: Time and Space’, an evening of music featuring the works of Margaret Bonds, renowned for her African American spiritual arrangements and collaborations with Langston Hughes, and other lesser-known but remarkable African American composers. Waites is dedicated to promoting her peers and fostering new musical experiences. Her influential album ‘Black Diamonds’ showcases recordings of pieces by underrated African American composers deserving wider recognition and acclaim.
This concert is a collaborative effort with Piano Spheres, an organization committed to supporting new piano compositions and performances, and nurturing upcoming pianists.

Diavolo: Existencia
2024-01-17 - 2024-01-19 | The Soraya, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA, 91330, United States
In January 1994, Cal State University Northridge experienced the worst natural disaster to hit the university campus. What followed next was an extraordinary act of perseverance and a fledgling dance company was born to meet the omement with innovative works that celebrated the human spirit. Existencia, a Soraya commissioned work, reflects how a community resets and evolves in the face of disaster.

KATE
2024-01-17 - 2024-02-11 | Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91101, United States
In her highly acclaimed solo performance, esteemed comedian Kate Berlant delves into the experiences that have shaped her journey to the present. Through her remarkable portrayal of numerous characters in this captivating display, she skillfully undergoes transformations right before the audience, unveiling a long-concealed truth. The show is directed by Bo Burnham.

POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
2024-01-17 - 2024-02-18 | Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, United States
It’s a bad day at the White House. The President spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, and seven women he relies on the most are left to clean up the mess. Take a raucous romp through the halls of the West Wing.

Michelle Cann, Piano
2024-01-17 19:30 - 21:30 | The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA, 92010, United States
Michelle Cann makes her Wallis recital debut for a program of works by African American women composers. This world class pianist honors gems of Chicago’s Black Renaissance like Margaret Bonds, the first African American to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Mystic Pizza at La Mirada
2024-01-19 00:00 - 2024-02-11 00:00 | La Mirada Theatre, 14900 La Mirada Blvd, La Mirada, 90638, United States
A new musical you’ll love at first slice! The Julia Roberts classic 1988 movie is now a delightful new show! Mystic Pizza charts the lives and loves of three unforgettable waitresses in the harbor town of Mystic, CT.

Times:

Thursdays at 7:30pm
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm
Sundays at 1:30pm & 6:30pm

Sammy Miller and the Congregation
2024-01-19 20:00 - 22:00 | CAP AT UCLA, 10745 Dickson Ct., Los Angeles, 90095, United States
This five-piece band of conservatory-trained musicians take their joyful jazz across the country like a vaudevillian revival show and they make a stop at the Nimoy. Their mission to sharing their childlike wonder and love for jazz and on jazz education—making music fluence accessible to all with their groundbreaking music education platform, Playbook.

Beethoven Emperor
2024-01-27 | Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91101, United States
Presenting Composer Jessica Hunt at the Composers Showcase with George Li on piano and conducted by Kensho Watanabe.
January 27
Sunday at 2:00pm & 8:00pm
