SHINE ON, ETERNAL LIGHT
In just twenty years of existence, Morten Lauridsen’s gorgeous choral masterwork Lux Aeterna has become one of the most performed works worldwide. Under direction of the late Paul Salamunovich, our own Los Angeles Master Chorale presented the world premiere of this five-movement requiem in 1997, and recorded it the next year. Now, this iconic gem will be the centerpiece of a stunning program which will be presented by LAMC at Disney Hall. This June is shaping up to be one of the busiest for the arts in L.A. history, so you having plenty of warning and three chances to catch this unforgettable concert June 17-22, 2017.
Lauridson’s Lux Aeterna (Eternal Light) will be performed with five other works: two world premieres (Billy Childs’ In Gratitude and Moira Smiley’s Time In Our Voices); a U.S. premiere (Eric Whitacre’s Child of Wonder, guest conducted by Whitacre); a commission from LAMC’s 50th Anniversary (LA Phil’s Conductor Laureate Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Iri da iri); and a triptych of traditional Sacred Harp songs from the Master Chorale’s 2012-15 composer-in-residence (Shawn Kirchner’s Heavenly Home: Three American Songs).
Even more than other spectacular programs throughout the year, the Master Chorale’s full roster of 115 singers will be accompanied by a 47-piece orchestra; Artistic Director Grant Gershon will conduct. Tickets can be quite reasonable, too, so there’s no better way to celebrate a company which has become one of the greatest and most lauded chorales in history.
The three performances will have the same program but each evening will have a different structure:
CONCERT
On Saturday, June 17 at 2pm, the program will be preceded by a ListenUp! talk in BP Hall at 1pm with Grant Gershon and Morten Lauridsen, hosted by Alan Chapman. This is free to all ticket-holders.
CONCERT + GALA + LUX ONSTAGE PARTY
On Sunday, June 18 at 6pm there will be a special gala performance. This event, LAMC’s primary fundraiser for its artistic and education programs, includes a tribute to Lauridsen during the concert. Various levels are available. Depending on your choice, there will be pre-concert cocktails in the Blue Ribbon Garden; a post-concert dinner; silent & live auctions in BP Hall; and a post-concert onstage party in Walt Disney Concert Hall (LAMC’s signature “Surround Sing” performance). All guests will enjoy celebratory champagne at intermission and a commemorative gift honoring the 20th anniversary of Lux Aeterna. Visit GALA for tickets and more info.
CONCERT + GROUP SING
On Thursday, June 22 at 8pm, a third performance also celebrates Chorus America’s annual conference held in L.A. June 21-24. This “Choir Night” includes a pre-concert group-sing for audience members led by Artist-in-Residence Eric Whitacre and singer/composer Moira Smiley at 7pm. All ticket-holders for this concert are invited to take part in the group-singing event held in Disney Hall.
Lux Aeterna 20th Anniversary
Concerts and Gala
Los Angeles Master Chorale
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave.
June 17-22, 2017
for tickets, call 213.972.7282 or visit LAMC or Gala
