Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Classical Pick of the Week: The Medium and the Calder Quartet
Interesting interview with Menotti
Go next weekend to UCLA to see the Medium, an opera by Gian Carlo Menotti, who sadly passed away last year. Seating is extremely limited, but you guys are in for a treat because its playing four days in a row, it's FREE, and it's in English. You can also join us in our dubious distinction as the oddest group of people ever (see the comments).
The opera is structured like a film noir of the early 20th century and centers around a drunk fraudulent medium. Within the two short acts she begins to lose her sanity, and eventually gives into her fears and superstitions which may have dramatic consequences. It is set in a very intimate and minimalist setting, to accentuate and highlight the score in all of its glory. The opera is performed by UCLA students and faculty. Don't miss this operatunity (Wow I'm corny)!
There is some activity across town as well...
On May 27th the Calder Quartetwill release their new CD featuring one of my favorite pieces, the Ravel "String Quartet in F Major". It coincides with a Thomas Adés concert at the Disney Hall, because the CD includes his "Arcadiana" and a Mozart quartet also in F Major. The Calder Quartet has been the resident string quartet at the Juilliard school, with additional studies at USC and Colburn. They sell out frequently and draw praise from numerous publications including the Washington Post. They are a promising and talented group on the rise and this is your chance to see them and brag that you heard them before they were famous.
the Medium
May 29th-June 1st
Schoenberg Music Building
the Calder Quartet
May 27th
Walt Disney Concert Hall
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
