Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) steps outside the proverbial music “box” to dish up a feast for foodies and classical music lovers alike at its innovative “Westside Connections†chamber music series with a menu that pairs LACO’s virtuosic musicians with iconic food writer JONATHAN GOLD, multi-talented chef/restaurateur SUSAN FENIGER and leading culinary writer, chef and food philosopher MICHAEL RUHLMAN for an always tantalizing and frequently amusing exploration of the relationship between music and culinary arts at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage.
Showcased on the menu for the three-concert Thursday-night series, curated by LACO Concertmaster Margaret Batjer, are the virtuoso talent of LACO’s musicians and conversations with Gold, Feniger and Ruhlman, who discuss the food-themed music as well as the talent, techniques and artistic expression involved in gastronomy. Each evening includes an opportunity for audience questions.
“Good food and good music are a natural pairing,†says Batjer. “LACO is delighted to present these stellar culinary celebrities as we explore in these whimsical and informative programs the many ways music influences and enriches society and our lives.â€
“Westside Connections” begins Thursday, March 1, 2012, 7:30 p.m., with noted culinary authority Michael Ruhlman (Soul of a Chef, Ruhlman’s Twenty) and music of Rossini, Puccini, Falla and Paul Schoenfield.
On Thursday, March 22, 2012, 7:30 p.m, iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning LA Weekly food critic Jonathan Gold joins a program with music by Bach, Bernstein, William Bolcom, Timothy Andres and Dohnányi.
“Westside Connections’” final “course” on Thursday, April 5, 2012, 7:30 pm, features celebrated chef, cookbook author and restaurateur Susan Feniger (Border Grill restaurants, Border Grill Truck and Susan Feniger’s STREET) and the music of Saint-Saëns, Martinů and Ravel.
Now in its 4th season, the “Westside Connections†series has previously explored the effects of music on the mind, poetry and the creative process.
For “Westside Connections” tickets ($45 per concert or $120 for a 3-concert subscription): www.laco.org,
Discounted tickets are also available by phone for groups of 12 or more. The Broad Stage is located at 1310 11th Street in Santa Monica.
