Happy 20th Green Umbrella!

In the classical music world, Los Angeles has something to brag about. It's the LA Phil series - Green Umbrella. The colorfully named series (there is no reason why the umbrella is green) is dedicated to new music, rather, contemporary classical, or if you will, music by composers who are not dead yet (or may have passed post 1950).

At last night's performance, the LA Phil celebrated Green Umbrella's 20th Birthday (25th for LA Phil's New Music Ensemble, 20th for the Umbrella series) by boozing it up afterwards (see wild party picture above). And if like our recommendations, take this one: Green Umbrella is the best Los Angeles Philharmonic series there is. The music is fresh, current and challenging.

To that point, one of the most exciting concerts of the whole season is next for the series (Jan. 23). John Adams will visit us from Northern California by conducting his own works, including China Gates, Gnarly Buttons and Grand Pianola Music. If it is sold out, we are not surprised. If not, come join us.

If you know nothing of his music, you can find him on iTunes and other various locales on the web that lets you preview music.