SoCalPulse

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.

Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show
2023-11-17 - 2023-12-24 | The Old Globe, 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, 92101, United States
San Diego welcomes the return of a holiday favorite with a unique, lively adaptation of Dickens’s ‘A Christmas Carol’. While maintaining the classic story, complete with the famed ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future, this version adds a humorous local flair. Suitable for all ages, it promises to entertain as Ebenezer Scrooge rediscovers the Christmas spirit in this joyous blend of Dickens, music, and laughter, all set against a ‘wintery’ San Diego backdrop.
Running time: One hour and 15 minutes. There is no intermission.
For Ages 5+: For Ebenezer Scrooge’s BIG San Diego Christmas Show, children under the age of five are not permitted. Each individual attending the show must have a ticket for admission.

Takács Quartet
2023-11-17 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

As We Speak: Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, Edgar Meyer, Feat. Rakesh Chaurasia
2023-11-17 20:00 - 22:00 | Soka Performing Arts, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656, United States
Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, and Edgar Meyer, virtuosos in their respective fields of bluegrass, Indian classical, and Western classical music, unite in their latest collaboration, ‘As We Speak’. Known for their improvisational skills, they effortlessly bridge diverse musical genres. This project highlights their extraordinary versatility, seamlessly blending the intricate rhythms of Indian music, the soulful grooves of bass, and the disciplined intricacies of raga. They are joined by Rakesh Chaurasia, a prodigious bansuri (Indian bamboo flute) player, further enriching this unique musical amalgamation.

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.

Mao Fujita, Piano
2023-11-19 15:00 - 17:00 | The Baker-Baum Concert Hall, 7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
At just 24 years old, pianist Mao Fujita has distinguished himself with a natural musical sensitivity and artistry, earning acclaim from leading musicians. Recognized as a rare talent, he excels in both Mozart and major romantic repertoire.

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.

A Christmas Carol
2023-11-24 - 2023-12-24 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Orange County’s beloved holiday tradition lives on with this timeless production of Dickens’ classic. Experience the journey from Scrooge’s initial ‘Bah humbug’ to the festive ‘Wassail,’ all designed to reignite your holiday spirit. Meet iconic characters like Tiny Tim, the Cratchits, the Fezziwigs, the Ghosts of Christmas, and the unforgettable Ebenezer Scrooge, played by SCR Founding Member Richard Doyle.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T-F-U-L-L-Y Christmas
2023-11-24 - 2023-12-24 | Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Avenue, Coronado, 92118, United States
Cast members from Lamb’s musical hits R-E-S-P-E-C-T and Million Dollar Quartet come together for a holiday celebration of song and carols.

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.

Flor de Toloache
2023-11-30 | The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center, 7600 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
The Latin GRAMMY Award–winning, all-female Flor de Toloache mixes tradition and innovation, breaking boundaries with its edgy, versatile, and fresh take on traditional Latin American music. The members’ diverse ethnicities and musical backgrounds transcend culture and gender by forging new paths.
Thursday • 6 PM & 8:30 PM

I’m Not a Comedian … I’m Lenny Bruce
2023-11-30 - 2023-12-03 | North Coast Rep, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr Suite D, Solana Beach, CA, 92075, United States
“I’M NOT A COMEDIAN.. I’M LENNY BRUCE” is a portrayal of the life and legacy of the groundbreaking comedian Lenny Bruce, known for his bold, freestyle comedy and profound influence on modern culture, from poetry to politics and film. His commitment to free speech led to legal battles, culminating in a Supreme Court case. Bruce’s life, marked by controversy and a tragic end in 1966, is vividly brought to life by Ronnie Marmo under Joe Mantegna’s direction, with endorsements from Bruce’s daughter, Kitty, and the Lenny Bruce Foundation. The show, rated R, contains explicit language, mature content, and brief nudity.

The Glass Menagerie
2023-11-30 - 2023-12-23 | Divisionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego, 92116, United States
This production brings Tennessee Williams’ seminal work, a poignant exploration of love, regret, and release, to Diversionary Theatre. It delves into the story of Tom, haunted by guilt over leaving his mother Amanda and sister Laura, as he revisits past events that fractured his family and possibly his own essence. This evocative memory play raises a critical question: What is the price of personal freedom?

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

Outside Mullingar
2024-01-06 - 2024-02-18 | Lamb’s Players Theatre, 1142 Orange Avenue, Coronado, 92118, United States
The Tony Award, Oscar, and Pulitzer Prize winning author, John Patrick Shanley, delivers a delightful Irish story about family, love and property boundaries featuring two of the region’s leading theatre couples Robert and Deborah Gilmour Smyth and Brian Mackey and Rachael Van Wormer. 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado

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.

The Wiz
2024-01-09 - 2024-01-14 | San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA, 92101, United States
The Tony Award-winning musical makes its San Diego debut with its groundbreaking twist on the Wizard of Oz. The iconic score is packed with soul, gospel, rock and 70’s funk.
San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego.

Tue, Jan 9
7:00 pm

Wed, Jan 10
7:00 pm

Thu, Jan 11
7:30 pm

Fri, Jan 12
8:00 pm

Sat, Jan 13
2:00 pm

Sat, Jan 13
8:00 pm

Sun, Jan 14
1:00 pm

Sun, Jan 14
6:30 pm

Intimate Apparel
2024-01-10 - 2024-02-04 | North Coast Rep, 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr Suite D, Solana Beach, CA, 92075, United States
Jasmine Bracey directs the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning dramatist Lynn Nottage’s powerful tale of humor, heartbreak and resiliency—the story about a lonely, talented Black seamstress dreaming of a more fulfilling life.
Hour vary, check website.
987 Lomas Santa Fe, Solana Beach.

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

Hopelessly Devoted: The Music of Olivia Newton-John
2024-01-11 - 2024-01-13 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Broadway stars are coming together to celebrate the life and career of the beloved singer and actress Olivia Newton-John!
Thursday, Jan. 117:30 PM
Friday, Jan. 127:30 PM
Saturday, Jan. 137:30 PM

Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa

Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto
2024-01-11 - 2024-01-13 | Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626, United States
Guest conductor Matthew Halls leads the Pacific Symphony and violinist Paul Huang in Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, a masterpiece of emotion.

Concert Timings:
January 11, 2024, 8:00 pm
January 12, 2024, 8:00 pm
January 13, 2024, 8:00 pm

Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.

TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY
2024-01-12 - 2024-01-21 | Casa del Prado Theatre, 1600 Village Place, San Diego, 92101, United States
In this heartening true tale, a young Mexican-American, Tomás, the offspring of migrant agricultural laborers, encounters a compassionate librarian. This librarian opens the door to the enchanting universe of literature for him. With her mentorship and the allure of narratives, Tomás uncovers a realm of wisdom, triggering his innate abilities and setting off on a path of self-realization. These stories not only enrich Tomás and his family’s lives but also cultivate a deep-seated passion for reading in them. This adaptation from a beloved book joyously celebrates the significance of literary access and the ability of the imagination to transcend limits.

Hours vary, check website for more details.
