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The Program: Mark your calendar for these March SoCal performances.
Note: Though hours and formats are updated regularly, they can change without notice; best to confirm at venue websites.
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Herbie Hancock
March 30. Creative Chair for Jazz and iconic American artist Herbie Hancock returns to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for one night of jazz and funk. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
THE ROUSTABOUTS THEATRE CO.
True West
March 29-April 13. Step into the raw and riveting world of Sam Shepard’s True West where the blistering heat of the California desert mirrors the searing tensions between estranged brothers, Austin and Lee. Set against the backdrop of a suburban house, this modern American classic unravels a primal struggle for identity and dominance as the siblings confront their turbulent past and uncertain futures. Diversionary Theatre, 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego. theroustabouts.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
From the Depths: Lu Leads Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony
March 29-30. Conductor Tianyi Lu opens her concert with the self-standing first movement of Gareth Farr’s From the Depths Sound the Great Sea Gongs. The distinguished soloist will be the English pianist Paul Lewis. And the concert ends with one of the best loved of all Tchaikovsky’s works, his intensely dramatic Fourth Symphony. ,Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
Simone Porter & Blake Pouliot, violin
March 29. Three young virtuosos share the stage for an unforgettable evening of classical brilliance: pianist Hsin-I Huang with violinists Simone Porter and Blake Pouliot. The wide-ranging program includes a variety of works including the Eagles’ instantly recognizable tune, “Hotel California,” Korngold’s beautiful Suite from Much Ado About Nothing, and the Danse Russe from Stravinsky’s Petrushka. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
PACIFIC CHORALE
Exodus
March 29. Highlighting Pacific Chorale’s chamber choir in a double chorus, along with Baroque orchestra Bach Collegium San Diego, encounter Handel’s riveting and powerful biblical oratorio, Israel in Egypt. Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 535 N Main St, Los Angeles. pacificchorale.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Nowruz: Iranian New Year
March 29. A traditional festival that marks the beginning of spring, Nowruz is a time to celebrate the “rebirth of nature” and wash away the past. Pacific Symphony celebrates Iranian New Year and unites cultures through the power of music. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.pacificsymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
The Princess Bride in Concert
March 28. Now for the first time, composer Mark Knopfler’s unforgettable score has been specially arranged for San Diego Symphony Orchestra. Missing this cinematic concert experience would be inconceivable! ,Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
Untangling the Mind
March 27. The human brain is an electrical web of 100 trillion connections that has made everything possible, from campfires to lunar landers. Neuroscientist Steve Ramirez guides a journey through the most remarkable human organ to see what really makes us, us. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Le Concert d’Astrée The Triumph of Time and Disillusion
March 27. Baroque music champion Emmanuelle Haïm leads one of the foremost ensembles, Le Concert d’Astrée in Handel’s first of many oratorios, the operatic Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno or “The Triumph of Time and Disillusion.” Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
Israel Philharmonic
March 26. Lahav Shani leads a musical program of prayer, passion, and remembrance. The evening features IPO’s principal cellist Haran Meltzer performing Bruch’s Kol Nidrei and principal flutist Guy Eshed performing Bernstein’s Ḥalil. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Le Concert d’Astrée Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day
March 25. Baroque music champion Emmanuelle Haïm leads one of the foremost ensembles, Le Concert d’Astrée in music by two of the most pivotal composers of the era —Handel’s decorated Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day oratorio with soprano Erin Morley, Bach’s French-inspired suites, and works by Rameau. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
A NOISE WITHIN
Jane Eyre
March 23-April 20. The orphaned Jane Eyre takes a position working as governess at Thornfield Hall for the brooding Edward Rochester. The strong-willed heroine falls in love with her mysterious employer, but the discovery of a dark secret forces the young governess to make a heart-wrenching decision that changes their lives forever. 3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena. anoisewithin.org
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Theotime Langlois de Swarte & Les Arts Florissants
March 23. While still at the incredibly young age of 28, Theotime has quickly become one of today’s most sought-after violin soloists. Theotime will be joined by Les Arts Florissants, one of the most renowned and respected early music groups in Europe and around the world. Together, there will be a grand total of 16 instrumentalists highlighting this program will be Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, one of the greatest violin concertos of all time and one of the best-selling classical works ever. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
BROADSTAGE
Rev’s Roots Revival with Beaucoup Brass Band
March 22. The Reverend Shawn Amos returns with his curated nights of music in BroadStage’s blackbox series on The Plaza. The Rev will be joined by the Los Angeles-based Beaucoup Brass Band to pay homage to New Oreleans jazz tradition. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
PASADENA SYMPHONY & POPS
Mozart Violin Concerto No. 5 “Turkish”
March 22. Brett Mitchell leads violinist Stefan Jackiw in Mozart’s “Turkish” as well as Stravinsky’s Suite from Pulcinella. Ambassador Auditorium, 131 S. St. John Ave., Pasadena. pasadenasymphony-pops.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Fiesta Sinfónica con Mariachi Garibaldi
March 22. Pacific Symphony celebrates the heart of Mexican culture with an exuberant blend of ballet folklórico and the soulful traditions of mariachi with the vibrant rhythms of mariachi Garibaldi. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Piano Paragons
March 22. Spanning almost one hundred years of jazz piano styles from Tatum’s “stride” to Corea’s inventive fusion and everything in between—the music of Monk, Powell, Tatum and Corea. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Haïm Leads Handel & Bach
March 21-23. In the first season of her three-year role as Artist Collaborator, Haïm and her ensemble join the LA Phil for two magnificent choral tapestries by Bach and Handel. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SAN DIEGO OPERA
Salome
March 21-23. Richard Strauss’s masterpiece Salome is a shocking opera based on Oscar Wilde’s play of the same name. Strauss’s ground-breaking score reflects the dark and unsettling themes of the story and every role makes extraordinary vocal and dramatic demands on the artists. San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego. sdopera.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Jan Lisiecki in Recital: “Preludes”
March 21. Jan Lisiecki performs a program of preludes on the Jacobs Music Center stage, treating the audience to dozens of succinct, characterful works by Chopin, J. S. Bach, Rachmaninoff, Szymanowski and Messiaen. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Koh Plays Mendelssohn
March 20-22. Grammy award-winning Jennifer Koh unites with young Chilean-Italian conductor Paolo Bortolameolli’s animated direction for a night of classical music that is sure to inspire and challenge the status quo. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
The Wonders We Carry Inside
March 20. Iranian-American composer Gity Razaz curates an evening of music honoring the mystical beauty of Persian culture and the power of women to shape history both past and present. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
LOS ANGELES MASTER CHORALE
Carmina Burana
March 16. Associate Artistic Director Jenny Wong leads Carl Orff’s epic and propulsive Carmina Burana, along with the world premiere of a vibrant new work by Swan Family Artist-in-Residence Reena Esmail. Esmail’s new work will be based on a variety of folk songs representing different languages and traditions of the Indian subcontinent. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. lamasterchorale.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Rock ‘N Radio
March 16. Groove along to over eight decades of chart-topping hits from the greatest names in music history including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Carole King, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Adele and more. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego.sandiegosymphony.org
BROADSTAGE
Harlem Quartet with Aldo López-Gavilán
March 15. BroadStage presents the mesmerizing combination of Grammy Award-winning Harlem Quartetand Cuban pianist and composer Aldo López-Gavilán, who shares a special bond with the quartet as the brother of violinist Ilmar Gavilán! 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
LA OPERA
Angel Blue in Concert
March 15. Soprano Angel Blue is one of the most radiant superstars of our time and she returns to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion after her 2022 performance of Tosca for an evening of opera’s greatest arias. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles laopera.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Symphonies for Youth
March 15. LA Philharmonic hosts an interactive concert that introduces young audiences to symphonic music. Families are invited to participate in hands-on arts workshops. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Philharmonia Fantastique
March 15. This family friendly concert begins with a classic introduction to the instruments in Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Then, dynamic concerto meets animated film in Mason Bates’. Philharmonia Fantastique. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego.sandiegosymphony.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Tchaikovsky & Schubert
March 14-16. Grammy award-winning violinist Augustin Hadelich reunites with conductor Joana Mallwitz for Tchaikovsky’s violin concerto and Schubert’s “Great” Symphony. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Music of Phil Collins and Genesis
March. 14-15. Phil Collins’ one-of-a-kind drum work and songwriting have left an enduring mark on music. With the mega band Genesis and his numerous solo hits, Phil Collins—along with bandmates Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford—penned unforgettable hits featured in this symphonic tribute featuring two vocalists. Show highlights include “Follow You Follow Me,” “Abacab,” “I Missed Again,” “Turn It On Again,” “Sussudio,” “One More Night,” “Take Me Home,”; and the iconic “In the Air Tonight.” Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. pacificsymphony.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Jason Isbell
March 14. The singer, songwriter, guitarist, actor and sixt-time Grammy award winner, Jason Isbell returns to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in support of his “strongest album to date” (Rolling Stone) for a special solo acoustic performance. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
THE WALLIS
Here There Are Blueberries
March 13-30. As Rebecca and her team of historians begin to unravel the story behind Nazi-era photographs that arrived at her desk, a debate is ignited around the world. Based on real events, Here There Are Blueberries tells the story behind the historical photographs. 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. thewallis.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Midori
March 13. Violinist Midori returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall with longtime recital partner Özgür Aydin for an emotive program which offers musical reflections on suffering and loss that is inspired by the Spanish writer Federico García Lorca’s poem “Casida of the Lament. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
Vienna Philharmonic From the New World
March 11. The Vienna Philharmonic performs the exuberant Symphony No. 3 by Schubert. Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony masterfully blends the sounds of Indigenous, Black, and Bohemian musical themes, creating an anthem that represents the richness of America. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY OF OC
Vienna Philharmonic & Yefim Broonfman Beehoven & R. Strauss
March 9. Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the Vienna Philharmonic and three-time Grammy Award-winner Yefim Bronfman in Beethoven’s gorgeously composed and beloved third piano concerto. Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. philharmonicsociety.org
LA OPERA
Così fan tutte
March 8- 30. The razor-sharp comedy is back in a delightful production by director Michael Cavanagh that updates the action to a swanky American country club. James Conlon conducts a fantastic ensemble cast, which includes longtime LA Opera favorite Rod Gilfry as philosopher (and instigator) Don Alfonso. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laopera.org
BROADSTAGE
Rubberband
March 8-9. RUBBERBAND is an electrifying fusion of hip-hop, classical ballet and contemporary dance that has garnered international acclaim for the development of this new style. Artistic Director Victor Quijada—originally from Los Angeles—choreographs with a blend of hip-hop, break and classical forms. 1310 11th St., Santa Monica, broadstage.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Steve Hackman’s Brahms X Radiohead
March 8. Brahms X Radiohead is an epic symphonic synthesis of Radiohead’s album OK Computer and the First Symphony of Johannes Brahms, composed for full symphony orchestra and three solo vocalists. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
CORONADO PLAYHOUSE
Curtains
March 7-30. Curtains, the hilariously suspenseful musical comedy whodunit by Kander and Ebb, follows local detective Frank Cioffi, a musical theatre aficionado, as he investigates a talentless leading lady’s mysterious murder. Blending mystery, romance, and Broadway razzle-dazzle, Curtains will keep audiences guessing and laughing from start to finish.Coronado Playhouse, 1835 Strand Way, Coronado. coronadoplayhouse.com
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Mother Goose, Symphonic Dances and More
March 7, 9. Conductor Matthias Pintscher begins the concert with the beautiful glittering colors of Ravel’s Mother Goose, And Alexi Kenney makes his Symphony debut with his interpretation of Bartók’s Violin Concerto No. 2. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
CCAE THEATRICALS
Motown: The Groove That Changed America
March 7-8. The CCAE celebrates Motown—the musical movement that changed America. The Center Theater, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. theatricals.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Gustav and Alma
March 6-9. In the final weekend of the Mahler Grooves Festival, Dudamel explores the marriage Gustav and Alma Mahler through their music. The program includes Gustav’s Fifth Symphony and Alma’s Five Songs.Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Calidore String Quartet
March 6. The Calidore String Quartet, comprised of four millennial musicians, is recognized as one of the world’s foremost interpreters of a vast chamber music repertory. They take the Samueli Theater stage with the world premiere of String Quartet No. 3 by Han Lash commissioned by Elizabeth and Justus Schlichting for the Segerstrom Chamber Series. Samueli Theater, 615 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scfta.org
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
To the Fullest: The Music of Julius Eastman and Arthur Russell
March 4. The multi-Grammy nominated experimental orchestral collective Wild Up brings together notable guest artists to celebrate the work of avant-minimalist disco composer Arthur Russell with a new series of collaborative arrangements: The Arthur Russell Songbook. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. laphil.com
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Hershey Felder’s Great American Songbook Sing-Along
March 3. Sing-along through 100 years of American music with Hershey Felder in his signature style. Delight in familiar favorites—from Rogers and Hammerstein, Leonard Bernstein to Stephen Sondheim. Emmes/Benson Theatre Center, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. scr.org
PACIFIC SYMPHONY
Carmina Burana
March 2. 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
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Michael Feinstein in Because of You
March 2. Michael Feinstein brings to life Big Band Celebrations and the Tony Bennett legacy. Supported by the Carnegie Hall Big Band, Feinstein pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Tony Bennett, bringing his iconic songs to life in a symphony of sound. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego.sandiegosymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Symphony Kids
March 1. San Diego Symphony musicians share their favorite sing-alongs, musical games and invite families to explore music in a series that introduces young listeners to the instruments of the orchestra. Jacobs Music Center, 1245 Seventh Ave., San Diego. sandiegosymphony.org
SAN DIEGO SYMPHONY
Vänskä Conducts Sibelius and Beethoven
March 1. 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
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
The Unfair Advantage
Through March 27. Created and performed by Australia’s leading sleight of hand specialist Harry Milas who will reveal the secrets behind the skill that saw him become a security weapon for the world’s top casinos. Join Harry in an audience of just 35 people as he reveals – step by step – how magicians, card cheaters and mentalists fool the world. Mandell Weiss Theatre, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla. lajollaplayhouse.org
LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE
3 Summers of Lincoln
Through April 6 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
NORTH COAST REP
What the Constitution Means to Me
Through 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
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
The Incredible Book Eating Boy
Through 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
CENTER THEATRE GROUP
Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends
Through 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
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
A NOISE WITHIN
William Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Through 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
SOUTH COAST REPERTORY
Rachmaninoff and the Tsar
Through 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
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.
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Song of the Night
Through 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
Through 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.orgven’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
