Best Choirs In Los Angeles
While most people may think of a choir as just a bunch of people standing together singing songs, there's actually a lot of work behind every song. Hours of rehearsing and vocal training stand behind each song so every performance fills the air like liquid architecture. When it's done right, the experience is nothing short of magic. Unfortunately, Los Angeles doesn't have a big choir scene, but it's out there if you know where to look. And with September being Classical Music Month you can bet the performances will be spectacular. From a hundred person ensemble to a small chorale, here's your guide to choirs in Los Angeles.
Gay Men's Chorus Of Los Angeles (GMC LA)
9056 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 300
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(424) 239-6514
www.gmcla.org
The Gay Men's Chorus Of Los Angeles, or GMC LA, has been performing for more than 35 years and is still going strong. A little drag, a little off Broadway and a whole lot of fun unites everyone. The productions have evolved over the decades to incorporate innovation and contemporary music and the needs of the LGBT community. As an active a prominent force in the LGBT community, the GMC has several programs for struggling youths with an anti bullying program and has partnered with the LA Lifeworks mentoring program.
L.A. Children's Chorus
585 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(626) 793-4231
www.lachildrenschorus.org
Cultivating talent and promoting discipline, the LA Children's Chorus inspires audiences around the world. Performances by the LA Children's Chorus showcase artistry and the technical ability of children from ages 6-18. Beyond performing, the LACC offers classes to aspiring child singers and creates talented artists in the process.The chorus has performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. The 2014/15 season has come to a close, but the 2015/16 season will resume shortly, so check their calendar.
Selah Gospel Choir
Pasadena Covenant Church
539 N. Lake Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
(323) 481-4572
www.selahgospelchoir.com
If you love the uplifting energy of gospel music, then the Selah Gospel Choir will raise the roof. Comprised of a 40 person choir of multiple cultures, generations and faith, Selah promotes love and diversity with their songs. Selah is open to new members and starts rehearsals for their winter concert in September. To join the Selah Gospel Choir, all you have to do is show up to rehearsals. Catching a performance by these passionate and talented members is just as easy. They routinely perform during mass at the Pasadena Covenant Church.
The LA Choral Lab
Zipper Concert Hall
200 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(310) 795-4280
www.lachorallab.org
Performing a collection of motets, pop/rock a cappella and works by local composers, The L.A. Choral Lab opens its second season with the musical production Water Games. As a non-profit organization, The LA Choral Lab enriches the community by bringing music and education to aspiring singers, musicians and composers and survives solely on donations. The choral is an ensemble of dedicated and masterful artists whose vocals perform an elegant dance with every word sung. Under the flawless direction of Michael Alfera, The LA Choral Lab is a must-see performance.
Los Angeles Chamber Choir
11531 Chesterton Drive
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(213) 249-5950 / (626) 825-7686
www.lachamberchoir.com
Founded in 2005, The Los Angeles Chamber Choir (LACC) has always believed spectacular choir music of contemporary and classical should be accessible to all. The LACC performs in all size venues from churches and community centers to outdoor concert venues and events at the Walt Disney concert hall. Aside from bringing inspirational chamber music to the public, the LACC is active in the community and various missionary groups to help end suffering around the world as well as in the city of Los Angeles. Check the website for the 2015 winter concert venues as well as the 2016 concert season.
Kristine G. Bottone is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
