Best Places For Classical Music In LA
The summer months bring multiple opportunities to enjoy arts and culture, including classical music, which to many represents the purest of sounds. In Los Angeles, classical music concerts are offered on a regular basis, often welcoming families and sometimes even free of charge. Following are five locations where you can be inspired and uplifted in the upcoming months by the sounds created by classical music masters.
Grand Performances
350 S. Grand Ave., Suite A-4
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 687-2190
www.grandperformances.org
The series of concerts at Grand Performances will continue through the end of August and the long list of performances includes classical music. On July 13 at 8 p.m., for example, Songfest Sings America celebrates the work of American composer Leonard Bernstein (one of the first composers educated in the US to have seen worldwide recognition), and Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. will see El Gusto Orchestra, a Cantonese Opera Orchestra. These free concerts aim to reflect the musical taste of the multiple cultures in Los Angeles. It is a gorgeous outdoor venue that welcomes families, where you can be dressed informally and bring along food and drink.
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N. Highland Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90068
(323) 850-2000
www.hollywoodbowl.com
The summer season of concerts at the Hollywood Bowl is in full force now. Upcoming is Josh Groban on July 2 through 4 celebrating the Fourth of July holiday that you can enjoy alongside a Fireworks Spectacular. July will also see Tilson Thomas conducting Mahler on July 9 and Tchaikovsky's Fourth on July 11. Classical Tuesdays at the Bowl will also see Stravinsky's "Fireworks" and "The Rite of Spring" as well as Tchaicovsky's Violin Concerto on July 23. There are multiple seating options at the Bowl, from tables and benches to affordable tickets for lawn seating. Families can enjoy these concerts where one can dress informally and bring along a picnic.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden
301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 821-3222
www.arboretum.org
The Pasadena Symphony and POPS has a series of performances at the Arboretum debuting Michael Feinstein as its new Principal POPS conductor. The next show will be held on June 29 when Broadway icon Bernadette Peters joins the POPS for a night of songs that will include "Some Enchanted Evening" from "South Pacific" and "Send in the Clowns" from "Carousel." The concert series will continue on July 13, Aug. 10 and Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. There is table and lawn seating available for these concerts and you are welcome to bring in food and drink.
Santa Anita Race Track
285 W. Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 574-7223
www.santaanita.com
Cal Phil's Festival on the Green starts at the Santa Anita Race Track on June 29 with an evening concert that starts at 7:30 p.m. Table space can be purchased but there is also plenty of lawn area to create your own space with blankets, chairs and so forth. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for pre-concert dining, live jazz and for the kids to play in their dedicated area. Cal Phil will also perform at this location on July 27 and Aug. 10 and 24. This year's season will present music by Beethoven, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Puccini, Gershwin, Bernstein and much more.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 850-2000
www.calphil.org
Starting June 30, the California Philharmonic starts its 10th Season at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This first concert will feature "The Fab Four" with its tribute to The Beatles, plus selections of the Beach Boys tunes and music by Beethoven. Cal Phil will perform at this location again on July 28 and Aug. 11 and 25. Maestro Victor Vener conducts an informative "Talks with the Maestro" every concert date at 1 p.m. prior to the performance at 2 p.m. Get dressed up and beat the summer heat in one of the most beautiful venues in Los Angeles.
Related: Best Art Exhibits In LA This Summer
Dena Burroughs is a freelance writer living in Azusa, CA. She is a CSULA graduate with specialties in Creative Writing and Communications. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
