Classical Pick of the Week: Hello, Cello

Solo cellists seem to be a rare specimen in Los Angeles these days, and for the classical pick of this week we have not one but two fantastic cellists headlining concerts. The DaCamera Society hosts Peter Stump, the principal cellist of the LA Phil, in a concert featuring music of the 20th century. Works on schedule include the masterpiece solo sonata by Zoltan Kodaly, and works of Ligeti and Lutoslawski. Tickets are a little expensive, but it should be a treat to anyone that can make it. The show is today at 4 PM.

Yo-Yo Ma makes his return to Los Angeles with LACO in the West Coast premiere of Azul, by the composer Osvaldo Golijov. Golijov has worked with Yo-Yo Ma several times (as mentioned in the video interview above), and wrote this piece specifically for Yo-Yo to perform. There are still a few tickets available, and the show is next Sunday at Royce Hall. The Beethoven's 7th Symphony and the Faure Elegy are also on the program.

In other news, the Magic Flute kicks off this week with the LA Opera, and Yo-Yo Ma's good buddy Emmanuel Ax performs at the Disney Hall this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.