Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Fundraisers Pair Salon Performances with International Cuisine and Spectacular Homes

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's Laco À La Carte Pairs International Cuisine with Intimate Salon Performances at Private Homes of Consuls General and Luxurious Private Residences in Support of its Education and Community Engagement Programs

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra pairs exclusive musical performances with delectable international cuisine at LACO à la carte, six intimate, elegant fundraising evenings, three each in the fall and spring, celebrating Mexico, Germany and other nations in the spectacular private homes of members of the region’s international community.  The unique events this fall, each highlighting a single country or theme, include “Los Angeles à la carte” at a luxurious private Beverly Hills residence on October 8, 6 pm; “Mexico à la carte” at the Hancock Park residence of the Consul General of Mexico on October 28, 7 pm; and “Germany à la carte” at the Hancock Park residence of the Consul General of Germany on November 30, 7 pm.  Three spring LACO à la carte dates will be announced later this year.  Providing a decidedly cosmopolitan flair to LACO’s wide ranging musical offerings, each program includes a reception and dinner featuring an array of gourmet specialties and beverages of the host country or tied to the event theme complemented by a salon performance spotlighting LACO musicians and guest artists.  The LACO à la carte series, now in its ninth year, illustrates that music truly knows no boundaries.  Proceeds help support the education and community engagement programs of LACO, proclaimed “America's finest chamber orchestra” by Public Radio International.

The LACO à la carte committee includes LACO Board Members Eugene Ohr and Agnes Lew, Allan Kotin, David Orenstein and Anne-Marie Spataru.  Sponsors are East West Bank; Ned and Dana Newman; Leslie Lassiter; Eugene and Catherine Ohr; Gene Shutler; and Anne-Marie and Alex Spataru.

“LOS ANGELES À LA CARTE”
Saturday, October 8, 2017, 6 pm
In Beverly Hills at Private Residence of Leslie Lassiter
Before going “abroad,” LACO à la carte 2017 launches with a twist when the fundraising series begins with “Los Angeles à la carte,” which explores music born in Los Angeles, hosted by LACO Board Member Leslie Lassiter in her stunning mid-century modern home in Beverly Hills.  During the mid-20^th century, a bevy of composers whose roots span the globe settled in Los Angeles, producing compositions that still resonate today.  The New Hollywood String Quartet – featuring Rafi Rishik, violin, and LACO artists Tereza Stanislav, assistant concertmaster, Rob Brophy, viola, and Andrew Shulman, principal cello – brings the music of the era to life.

“MEXICO À LA CARTE”
Saturday, October 28, 2017, 7 pm
In Hancock Park at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Mexico
Warm and generous hospitality from the United States' dynamic neighbor to the south highlights “Mexico à la carte,” hosted by the Honorable Carlos Garcia de Alba, Mexico’s Consul General, in his elegant Hancock Park residence.  A LACO string quartet presents an intimate recital of mostly modern Mexican music, highlighting the diverse and beautiful repertoire emerging from south of the border.  The evening, hand-curated with the assistance of composer/professor Bernardo Feldman, who shares contextual commentary for the enlightening, approachable and engaging program, is capped by an al fresco fiesta featuring Mexican cuisine, tequila and mezcal.

“GERMANY À LA CARTE”
Thursday, November 30, 2017, 7 pm
In Hancock Park at the Official Residence of the Consul General of Germany
The Honorable Hans Jörg Neumann, Consul General of Germany, hosts LACO’s “Germany à la carte” in his charming Hancock Park residence.  The evening illuminates the country’s remarkable and vibrant culture, including its extraordinary musical legacy, delectable culinary riches and world famous brews.  LACO violin Sarah Thornblade leads a piano trio on a deep dive into German Baroque repertoire, followed by a sumptuous meal in the garden.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), ranked among the world’s top musical ensembles, marks its 50th anniversary in the 2017-18 season.  Beloved by audiences and praised by critics, the Orchestra is known as a preeminent interpreter of historical masterworks as well as a champion of contemporary composers.  Headquartered in the heart of the country's cultural capital, LACO has been proclaimed “America’s finest chamber orchestra” (Public Radio International), “LA’s most unintimidating chamber music experience” (Los Angeles Magazine), “resplendent” (Los Angeles Times), and “one of the world's great chamber orchestras"(KUSC Classical FM).  LACO, which performs throughout greater Los Angeles, has garnered eight ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming.

Tickets for each LACO à la carte event are $375 per person.  Chef's Table Trio tickets, at $1,000 per person, includes one ticket to each of the three fall LACO à la carte evenings.  Tickets may be purchased by calling 213 622 7001 x 3.  Details are available at www.laco.org/events.