The Wallis Presents Conductorless Chamber Orchestra KALEIDOSCOPE

Kaleidoscope, Los Angeles's preeminent conductorless chamber orchestra, makes its Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts debut with a program featuring pianist Irene Kim on Prokovief's sublimely eclectic "Piano Concerto No. 3," Beethoven's iconic "Symphony No. 5" and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw's intriguing "Entr'acte" on Saturday, February 23, 2019, 7:30 pm, at The Wallis' Bram Goldsmith Theater.

Kaleidoscope, which "adds layers of intensity to the usual chamber orchestra," (Los Angeles Times) and includes more than40 musicians, stretches the boundaries of what is thought possible without a conductor. Shaw, "a breakout star" (The Guardian), has also collaborated with Kanye West and appeared as herself in the hit TV series "Mozart in the Jungle." Kim, noted for championing cutting-edge works, has been hailed for her "superior technique and delicate sensibility" (Korean Times).

"Kaleidoscope is shifting the chamber orchestra landscape and garnering tremendous acclaim for its approach to chamber music performance," says The Wallis' Artistic Director, Paul Crewes. "We are delighted to present this L.A. based group that is having such an enormous impact on the classical music scene."

Kaleidoscope, founded in 2014, is celebrated for performances that are "fresh, fleet, and combine gravitas with joy" (San Francisco Classical Voice). Being conductorless means that artistic decisions in rehearsals are made through a democratic process where every musician has an equal voice, similar to a string quartet. Kaleidoscope, known for its innovative and diverse programming, has worked with some of the leading living composers. With a strong commitment to the community, over 75% of the concerts Kaleidoscope performs each year are free performances at homeless shelters, hospitals, and title I schools. Current partner organizations include Braddock Drive Elementary School, LA Children's Hospital, LA Family Housing, PATH, Ronald McDonald House, The Salvation Army Bell Shelter, and Union Rescue Mission at Skid Row.

Kim has been praised for her "vitality and charm" and "authoritative inevitability" (Peninsula Review). Her performances have been heard across North America, Europe, and New Zealand as a soloist and chamber musician. She is a member of Kaleidoscope, and tours frequently with violinist Benjamin Hoffman as a duo, brightfeather, appearing in recitals to enthusiastic audiences around the world. Continuously piqued by the music and art of her contemporary surroundings, she has worked on projects with many living composers, premiering works, and collaborating with visual artists and dancers. Irene's professional training was centered at the Peabody Conservatory, where she received her Doctorate in Musical Arts. She was awarded the Albert and Rosa Silverman Memorial Scholarship, the Lillian Gutman Memorial Piano Prize, and Clara Ascherfeld Award by the Conservatory for her musical endeavors during her studies.

A free pre-concert "Prelude" at 6:30 pm, which includes a complimentary glass of wine provided by The Henry Wine Group, features Classical KUSC's Brian Lauritzen in conversation about the evening's program with select musicians from the chamber orchestra.

Single tickets are $25-$55. Visit TheWallis.org, call 310.746.4000, or stop by in person at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Ticket Services Office located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

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