LA Opera to Tour SONGS IN THE KEY OF LOS ANGELES Next Month

Generations of songwriters have answered the call of the west, finding musical inspiration in the beauty, geography and diverse cultures of Southern California. Throughout the month of June, the Songs in the Key of Los Angeles tour, presented by LA Opera in partnership with SongFest and the Library Foundation of Los Angeles, will bring the rich musical history of Los Angeles to life with classic songs-some well known, and some little remembered today-that have been loved by generations of Angelenos.

Drawing on music archived in the extensive Southern California Sheet Music Collection at the Los Angeles Public Library and featured in the book Songs in the Key of Los Angeles by author and USC professor Josh Kun, the recitals offer a singular portrait of Los Angeles history and culture rendered in music.

Selections will include songs ranging from "The Little Old Lady from Pasadena" and "Hurray for Hollywood," to the classic Mexican clapping song "Chiapanecas" and long forgotten novelties from the 1920s and 1930s. Recitals will even feature excerpts from two Puccini operas with special ties to California: The Girl of the Golden West, set during the California Gold Rush, and La Bohème, which unusually had its U.S. premiere in Los Angeles in 1897. All performances are free and open to the public. Although recital performances are free of charge, regular admission charges apply to select venues.

Featured artists include soprano Lisa Eden and tenor James Callon from LA Opera. Performers will also include several artists from SongFest, the premier festival and summer training program in the U.S. dedicated primarily to art song, held each summer at The Colburn School and led by Young Artist Director Matthew Morris and Music Director John Musto.

Tour Schedule: Songs in the Key of Los Angeles

Wednesday, June 11, 7:30pm
Hammer Museum,10899 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90024

Thursday, June 12, 3:30pm
Hollenbeck Palms, 573 South Boyle Avenue, Los Angeles, 90033

Thursday, June 12, 7:00pm
Brand Art & Music Library,1601 West Mountain Street, Glendale, 91201

Friday, June 13, 2:00pm*
The Huntington Library (outdoor performance at the Loggia), 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, 91108

Saturday, June 14, 11:00am* and 1:00pm*
Natural History Museum of LA County, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90007

Saturday, June 14, 3:00pm
The Autry's Historic Southwest Museum Mt. Washington Campus, Autry National Center, 234 Museum Drive, Los Angeles, 90065

* Free with regular admission

To post a comment, you must register and login.