Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra’s LACO a la Carte 2014
The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra pairs exclusive musical performances with delectable international cuisine at “LACO à la carte,” five intimate, elegant fundraising evenings celebrating Australia, Mexico, Finland, Turkey and Iran in the spectacular private homes of members of the region’s international community. The unique events, each highlighting a single country, include “Australia à la carte” at the Brentwood residence of the Consul General of Australia on September 17, 7 pm; “Mexico à la carte” at the Hancock Park residence of the Consul General of Mexico on September 26, 7 pm; “Finland à la carte” at the Bel Air residence of the Consul General of Finland on October 8, 7 pm; “Turkey à la carte” at the Hancock Park residence of the Consul General of Turkey on November 7, 7 pm; and “Iran à la carte” at the private Brentwood villa of LACO board member Ahmad Gramian and his wife, Haleh, on November 14, 2015, 7 pm. 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 seventh 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 Ann Mulally; Mahnaz and David Newman; Ned and Dana Newman; Gene Shutler; Anne-Marie and Alex Spataru; Pat and Sandy Gage; Raulee Marcus and Stephen Block; and East West Bank.
“Australia à la carte”
Thursday, September 17, 2015, 7 pm
In Brentwood at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Australia
Warm and generous hospitality from “down under” highlights LACO’s “Australia à la carte,” hosted by Australia’s Consul General, The Honorable Karen Lanyon, and her husband, Mr. Craig Mills, at their chic Brentwood residence. An al fresco dinner, featuring authentic Australian fare and wines, provide savory accompaniment to an intimate solo violin recital featuring guest artist Michael Barenboim, a “superb” violinist (Chicago Tribune) hailed for his “technical precision and a breezy sweetness” (The Guardian) and son of legendary conductor Daniel Barenboim. Barenboim is also featured at LACO’s season opening concerts on September 19 at Glendale’s Alex Theatre and September 20 at UCLA’s Royce Hall.
“Mexico à la carte”
Saturday, September 26, 2015, 7 pm
In Hancock Park at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Mexico
¡Viva México! Authentic Mexican cuisine and libations set a festive mood for LACO’s “Mexico à la carte,” hosted by Mexico’s Consul General, The Honorable Carlos M. Sada, and his wife, Mrs. Maria Elena Sada, at their elegant Hancock Park residence. Quattrosound, 2014 Latin Grammy Nominee for Best New Artist, adds musical spice with a dynamic crossover of Latin pop, jazz and classical music. The innovative and energetic ensemble spotlights the instrumental and vocal talents of LACO cello Giovanna Moraga Clayton with Jorge Villanueva on percussion.
“Finland à la carte”
Thursday, October 8, 2015, 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, and his wife, Mrs. Tuula Markkanen in their spectacular Bel Air residence. LACO associate principal cello Armen Ksajikian, who marks his 15th anniversary with the Orchestra, leads a LACO string quartet celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Delicious Scandinavian cuisine and specialty cocktails by chef Sirpa Welch cap this Nordic fête.
“Turkey à la carte”
Saturday, November 7, 2015, 7 pm
In Hancock Park at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Turkey
The Honorable R. Gülru Gezer, Consul General of Turkey offers a warm Turkish welcome for LACO’s “Turkey à la carte” hosted in his classic Hancock Park consular residence and featuring delectable Turkish cuisine prepared by its resident chef. LACO Violin Julie Gigante, celebrating her 30th anniversary with LACO, is joined by Principal Oboe Allan Vogel in leading a vivacious musical program featuring unique Turkish influences sure to evoke colorful images of this stunning country.
Iran à la carte
Saturday, November 14, 2015, 7 pm
in Brentwood at Residence of Ahmad Gramian & Haleh Emrani
Dedicated LACO Board member Ahmad Gramian and his wife, Haleh, host LACO’s “Iran à la carte,” the grand finale in this season’s à la carte series, in their gorgeous Brentwood villa. Iranian-born harpsichord virtuoso Mahan Esfahani teams with LACO Concertmaster Margaret Batjer, Principal Cello Andrew Shulman and Flute Sandy Hughes to present a dazzling Baroque program. Refined Iranian hospitality and exquisite Persian cuisine add a special dimension to this extraordinary evening.
“LACO à la carte” tickets are $350 per person. Multiple-event packages include Chef’s Table Trio tickets at $950 per person for any combination of three events.
“LACO à la carte” events may be purchased by calling 213 622 7001 x 3. Details are available at www.laco.org/events.