PAST CONCERTS: 2018-2019

October 20

Beethoven and His Mentors

Beethoven lived astride the Classical music era and the Romantic style of the 19th century. We open the concert series with a program paying homage to the musical giants upon whose “artistic shoulders” Beethoven stood.

Mozart: Exsultate Jubilate, Lisa Eden, soprano
Haydn: Cello Concerto in C, David Garrett, cellist
Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2, Junko Ueno Garrett, pianist
The Third@First Chamber Orchestra, Gregory Norton, conductor

November 17

Four Hands and Four Singers

Before recorded music was possible, the art of four hands making music at one piano at home was common. This program extends that tradition to include the beloved Liebeslieder (“Love Song”) Waltzes of Johannes Brahms.

Brahms: Neue Liebeslieder Waltzer, Op. 65
Beethoven: Variations on a theme of Waldstein
Schubert: Rondo ... and more!
Paul Floyd and Junko Ueno Garrett, pianists
Chancel Choir Soloists

December 15

Christmas Joy Concert

This concert features choirs of all ages, handbells, the Modern Brass Quintet, piano, organ - and much more! Conrad Susa’s A Christmas Garland anchors a program featuring music of the season - including some audience carols!

January 19

Beethoven and His Life:
Three Cello Sonatas

The five sonatas Beethoven wrote for cello and piano present a journey through his creative life. The three works chosen for this program begin with one written by the aspiring artist as a young man, progress to Beethoven’s middle years, and conclude with his summation of the form.

Beethoven: Sonata in F, Op. 5, No. 1
Beethoven: Sonata in A, Op. 69
Beethoven: Sonata in D, Op. 102, No. 2
The Belrose Duo: David Garrett, cellist, and Junko Ueno Garrett, pianist

February 16

Eternal Creation:
Three Piano Sonatas

Beethoven’s piano sonatas were written during an era when the instrument itself was evolving and explore the new limits of the piano’s expression and power. This program’s three sonatas showcase the variety to be found in this music.

Beethoven: Sonata in E-flat, Op. 31, No. 3, The Hunt
Beethoven: Sonata in E, Op. 109
Beethoven: Sonata in C, Op. 53, Waldstein

Junko Ueno Garrett, piano

March 16

Liv Redpath, soprano

Ms Redpath is a rising vocal star in her third year as a Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist at LA Opera. She has also been a featured soloist with the LA Master Chorale and has sung operatic roles in her home town of Minneapolis, other American cities and
abroad. Ms Redpath will sing art songs of Schubert, Debussy, Rodrigo and Barber followed by arias from operas of Mozart, Verdi and Donizetti. She will be joined by Paul Floyd at the piano.

April 20

Music for the Day before Easter

The intimacy of the church’s chapel will be the venue for a program featuring Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater Dolorosa. Two soloists, accompanied by strings and organ, offer this meditation on the suffering of Mary as she stands at the foot of the cross.

May 18

Intimate Beethoven:
Joy of Chamber Music

“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy. Music is the electrical soil in which the spirit lives, thinks and invents.” – Beethoven

Beethoven: Ghost Trio, Op. 70
Beethoven: Piano Quartet, Op. 16

Members of Los Angeles Philharmonic:
Ingrid Chun, violinist
Minyoung Chang, violinist
Michael Larco, violist
David Garrett, cellist
Junko Ueno Garrett, pianist

June 15

Outdoor Jazz Concert featuring the Thursday Morning Little Big Band

A favorite from past seasons, the Thursday Morning Little Big Band returns for an open-air concert of classic jazz on the courtyard in front of the church building.

July 20

Christmas in July:
Aaron Shows, organist

There is so much great Christmas music - why not enjoy it mid-year? Always striving first to connect emotionally with audiences of every age through music, Aaron Shows’ performances and compositions often bridge the traditional and modern.