LA Chamber Orchestra Presents World Premiere of Benjamin Wallfisch Work Conducted by the Composer November 10, 2012

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) presents Emmy®-nominated guest conductor Benjamin Wallfisch, considered “one of UK’s most exciting young composers” (BBC Music Magazine), who makes his LACO debut conducting the world premiere of his own Violin Concerto on Saturday, November 10, 8 pm, at the Alex Theatre and Sunday, November 11, 7 pm, at UCLA’s Royce Hall. LACO commissioned the work for LACO’s Assistant Concertmaster/soloist Tereza Stanislav, acclaimed for her “sure technique and musical intelligence” (Calgary Herald), on the occasion of her 10th anniversary with the Orchestra. Also featured on the program are Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36, noted for its humor, depth, power and vitality, and Elgar’s virtuosic Introduction and Allegro for Strings, Op. 47.

Wallfisch, hailed for his versatility as a composer of both film scores and classical works, describes his new piece as exploring the violin’s “extremes as a lyrical instrument and fiery virtuoso machine.” Written in three movements with an extensive cadenza, the Violin Concerto, says Wallfisch, “reflects extraordinary feats of human agility and aggression” and includes deeply moving passages that provide vivid contrast to the dramatic tension leading up to the climax.

Wallfisch was appointed associate conductor of The English Chamber Orchestra at the age of 22 and has guest conducted the London, BBC and Sydney symphonies and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among others. He is also an Emmy®-, Ivor Novello- and multiple World Soundtrack Award-nominated composer who has worked on 29 feature films, collaborating with directors including Terry Gilliam, Thomas Vinterberg and Lars von Trier.

Benjamin Wallfisch participates in LACO’s Concert Preludes, pre-concert talks free to ticket holders that are held one hour prior to curtain and provide insights into the music and artists.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is considered one of the nation’s premier orchestras as well as a leader in presenting wide-ranging repertoire and adventurous commissions. Its 2012-13 season, the Orchestra's 44th, features a compelling mix of beloved masterpieces and genre-defying premieres from firmly established and notable up-and-coming composers programmed by Jeffrey Kahane, one of the world’s foremost conductors and pianists, who marks his 16th season as LACO’s music director.

Tickets ($25 – $110) are on sale now and may be purchased online at laco.org, by calling LACO at 213 622 7001, or at the venue box office on the night of the concert, if tickets remain. Discounted tickets are also available by phone for seniors 65 years of age and older and groups of 12 or more. College students may purchase rush tickets one hour before curtain; also available for college students is the $25 “Campus to Concert Hall All Access Pass” – good for all seven of LACO’s Orchestral Series concerts at either the Alex Theatre or UCLA, LACO’s Discover Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 at Ambassador Auditorium and for all three Westside Connections concerts at The Broad Stage, plus other benefits.

Official Website: http://www.laco.org