Some call Dutch composer Louis Andriessen the "hip guru for a younger generation," we just call him one of our favorites. And lucky for us locals, the Los Angeles Master Chorale commissioned the composer for a piece that world premieres a week from tonight -- "The City of Dis or: The Ship of Fools." The piece is one of the five sections in Andriessen's opera "La Commedia," with the libretto based on works by Dante. Next June, the complete opera will be premiered at the Holland Festival by Netherlands Opera with staging directed by American filmmaker Hal Hartley.
Also on the war/peace-themed program is Haydn's "Mass in Time of War" (sometimes referred to as the Kettledrum Mass) and Estonian composer Veljo Tormis' "God Protect Us From War" (this. piece. is. out. of. control.). The concert will also feature the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra playing with the Chorale and guest conductor Jeffrey Kahane.
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Haydn & Andriessen
Sunday, November 18 @ 7 p.m. (ListenUp! pre-concert conversation at 6 p.m)
Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown LA
