The Los Angeles
Master Chorale
The Los Angeles Master Chorale is the “the finest-by-far major chorus in America” (Los Angeles Times) and a vibrant cultural treasure. Hailed for its powerful performances, technical precision, and artistic daring, the Chorale is led by Grant Gershon, Kiki & David Gindler Artistic Director; Associate Artistic Director Jenny Wong; and President & CEO Terry Knowles.
The Los Angeles Master Chorale is the “the finest-by-far major chorus in America” (Los Angeles Times) and a vibrant cultural treasure. Hailed for its powerful performances, technical precision, and artistic daring, the Chorale is led by Grant Gershon, Kiki & David Gindler Artistic Director; Associate Artistic Director Jenny Wong; and President & CEO Terry Knowles.
REPERTORY
2026/2027 SEASON
LAGRIME DI SAN PIETRO
By Orlando Di Lasso
Directed by Peter Sellars
Orlando di Lasso knew that Lagrime was to be the last piece he would ever compose, and so he packed every measure with an emotionally charged texture that channeled all of his pain and remorse into a towering work of beauty. Sellars and the twenty-one singers of the Chorale translate Lagrime, a sweeping a cappella masterpiece, through a contemporary lens, suggesting that by taking responsibility and facing our past head-on, we can forge a more resolved and fulfilling future.
MUSIC TO ACCOMPANY A DEPARTURE
Set to Heinrich Schütz’s Musikaliche Exequien
Grant Gershon, conductor
Peter Sellars, director
24 singers, conductor, continuo (gamba and portative organ)
Continuing a decades-long collaboration with Peter Sellars, the Los Angeles Master Chorale production of “Music to Accompany a Departure” is set to the music of Heinrich Schütz’s Musikalische Exequien (Funeral Music).
One of the most painful aspects of the pandemic was that countless people were unable to be with their loved ones in their final days, hours, and moments of life. So it was also in Schutz’s time, as travel and community gathering were so disrupted by the Thirty Years War. Schutz’s requiem was created just as Europe was emerging from this dark period, and communities could once again commemorate lives of those lost. Recognizing the historic resonance of this work today, Peter Sellars, Grant Gershon, and the singers of the L.A. Master Chorale are creating a very personal ceremony of presence and remembering, through the transfixing music of Heinrich Schütz.
GALLERY
- All
- Music to Accompany A Departure
- LAGRIME DI SAN PIETRO
Photo by: Brian Feinzimer
WATCH
MTAAD Interview with Peter Sellars & Grant Gershon
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MTAD WORKSHOP
" [Music to Accompany A Departure] The result was a spiritual, meditative, and sometimes sad experience. For the first half of about 65 minutes, I sensed that this was a once-in-a-lifetime event...
… It’s so ideal for our times, and the chorale showed off some astounding skills at emoting while singing with plaintive simplicity. Clarity and precise balance were everywhere in evidence, and solo voices had character and warmth. But something strange began to happen up until the end. I drifted. Not that the piece had a soporific effect, but it did feel like I was under the spell of some kind of narcotic, as if being drawn to The Light. What a fascinating experience to have during the final beautifully lit scene, which had the chorus members gathered around a grave to bury someone they held dear. I read that the deceased is represented by bass voices, while angels accompanying it to heaven are represented by the sopranos. Well done. I certainly ended up in heaven.”
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