LA Chamber Orch Presents Salon-Style Evenings at Consuls General Homes

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) offers music lovers an opportunity to enjoy five intimate, elegant and entertaining "LACO à la Carte" fundraising events pairing delectable international cuisine and exclusive musical performances in spectacular private homes of members of the region's international community, including the consuls general of Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium and Austria as well as LACO board member Ahmad Gramian and his wife, Haleh. Adding a special flourish to the season and illustrating that music truly knows no boundaries, each event features a different style of cuisine complimented by a salon performance by LACO members and guest artists. "LACO à la Carte" is chaired by LACO board member Mahnaz Newman and this season celebrates numerous musician milestone anniversaries, including Music Director Jeffrey Kahane's 15th with the Orchestra.

Australia à la Carte
Saturday, September 17, 7 pm
In Brentwood at the Official Residence of Consul General of Australia

Travel down under for one-night at this fête celebrating LACO Music Director Jeffrey Kahane's 15 years with the Orchestra. The event, hosted by Australia's Consul General, the Honorable Chris De Cure OAM, and Cathie De Cure, at their beautiful Brentwood residence, kicks off LACO's 2011-12 season in grand style with an exclusive solo piano performance by Kahane. Australia, noted for its flourishing wine industry, has also gained an international reputation in the culinary world for its unique cuisine.

Azerbaijan à la Carte
Sunday, September 18, 4 pm
Santa Monica Residence of Consul General of Azerbaijan

The celebration continues when LACO Composer-In-Residence Derek Bermel, clarinet, and LACO Sound Investment Composer Timothy Andres, piano, add their musical flair to this cosmopolitan evening hosted by Azerbaijan's Consul General, the Honorable Elin Suleymanov, and Lala Abdurahimova at their residence with a striking view of the Pacific Ocean. The cuisine of Azerbaijan reflects the country's geographic location at the cross roads of Western Asia and Eastern Europe.

Belgium à la Carte
Friday, October 28, 7 pm
Hancock Park Residence of Consul General of Belgium

The Honorable Greet Criel, Consul General of Belgium, and Elisabeth Criel host this event featuring an all-Baroque program by LACO members Julie Gigante, violin, Trevor Handy, cello, and Patricia Mabee, harpsichord, celebrating their 25th, 10th and 35th LACO anniversaries respectively. Belgium, considered the capital of chocolate, has enjoyed an unparalleled reputation for specialty beers since the Middle Ages, producing over 450 different varieties. Fittingly, Belgian beer and chocolate will add a flavorful dimension to the evening's festivities.

Austria à la Carte
Thursday, November 17, 7 pm
In Brentwood at the Austrian Residence of Consul General of Austria

Karin Proidl, Consul General of Austria, hosts an evening at her stately Brentwood residence that illuminates the dazzling cultural and musical vibrancy of Vienna, featuring LACO Assistant Concertmaster Teresa Stanislav, who leads a trio of LACO musicians. Austria, with its delightful sidewalk cafes, pastry shops, prized white wines and compelling art, music and architecture, is also celebrated as a haven for gourmands with the emergence of a sophisticated culinary movement, embracing fresh, seasonal and local produce.

Iran à la Carte
Saturday, November 19, 7 pm
Brentwood Residence of Ahmad and Haleh Gramian

Dedicated LACO Board member Ahmad Gramian and his wife, Haleh, host the final event of "LACO à la Carte" in their gorgeous Brentwood home. The evening features a musical program commemorating the 40th anniversary of Allan Vogel, LACO's principal oboe, who performs with fellow LACO principals Josefina Vergara, violin, Roland Kato, viola and Andrew Shulman, cello. Guests will enjoy a sampling of the exotic culinary riches of Iran.

"LACO à la Carte" is generously sponsored by LACO president K. Eugene Shutler and board members Ahmad and Haleh Gramian, Ann Moore Mulally, Mahnaz and David Newman; and Ned and Dana Newman.

Tickets are $250 per person for the September 17 date and $200 for the other four dates. Multiple-event packages include Season Launch Duo, which is $425 per person for the Australia and Azerbaijan evenings; Anniversary Trio, $550 per person for the Australia, Belgium and Iran events; and Chef's Table Quartet, $700 per person for any four events of your choice. "LACO à la Carte" events are on sale now and may be purchased by calling Maya at 213 622 7001 x 3. Details are available at www.laco.org.

LOS ANGELES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (LACO), proclaimed "America's finest chamber orchestra" by Public Radio International, has established itself among the world's top musical ensembles. Since 1997, LACO has performed under the baton of acclaimed conductor and pianist Jeffrey Kahane, hailed by critics as "visionary" and "a conductor of uncommon intellect, insight and musical integrity" with "undeniable charisma." Under Kahane's leadership, the Orchestra maintains its status as a preeminent interpreter of historical masterworks and a champion of contemporary composers. During its 43-year history, the Orchestra has made 30 recordings, toured Europe, South America and Japan, performed across North America, earning adulation from audiences and critics alike, and garnered five ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming. Headquartered in downtown Los Angeles, LACO presents seven Orchestral Series concerts at both Glendale's Alex Theatre and UCLA's Royce Hall, five Baroque Conversations concerts at downtown Los Angeles' Zipper Concert Hall, three Westside Connections chamber music concerts at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, three Family Concerts at the Alex Theatre and an annual Discover concert at Pasadena's Ambassador Auditorium. In addition, LACO presents a Concert Gala, an annual Silent Film screening at Royce Hall and several fundraising salons each year.

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