Cal Phil to present "Beethoven & Broadway" Aug. 21 and 22

Marya Basaraba, Chorus Maestra for the California Philharmonic, often describes Music Director Victor Vener’s programming as “inspired.” But the program for “Beethoven and Broadway” – which will take place on August 21 at 7:30 p.m. at The Arboretum in Arcadia and on August 22 at 2 p.m. at Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles – earns special praise from the Canadian-born soprano and vocal coach.

“The juxtaposition of Beethoven – starting with the Leonora Overture, No. 3 and closing with the Choral Movement from the Ninth Symphony – with works from musical theatre illustrates Maestro Vener’s extraordinary gift for making the music of the Classical 'giants' just as accessible as those of contemporary theatrical and film composers,” Basaraba explains. “In many ways, the great composers of the past that we consider to represent the most formal, ‘classical’ style of music were the 'Broadway' composers of their day. Beethoven, for instance, was commissioned by many wealthy patrons to write informal music for at-home performances and many of his symphonic 'tunes' were settings of popular songs.”

Joining Basaraba as soloist for “Beethoven and Broadway” are soprano Catherine Ireland, tenor Steve Grabe and baritone Roberto Perlas Gomez.

Not only will the four singers appear as guest artists for the 4th Movement of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 but Ireland and Gomez will also treat the audience to a medley of Broadway’s most popular songs, including hits from Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man. In addition, Cal Phil will present excerpts from such Disney blockbusters as Beauty and the Beast (original songs composed by Alan Menken; with lyrics by Howard Ashman) The Lion King (songs by Elton John and Tim Rice; score composed by Hans Zimmer) and The Little Mermaid (music by Alan Menken; lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater).

“The Music Man won five Tony Awards after its Broadway opening,” says Cal Phil Founder and Music Director Dr. Victor Vener, “while The Lion King was nominated for 11 Tonys, winning awards in six categories, including Best Musical. Beauty and the Beast is equally impressive. It has grossed more than $1.4 billion worldwide and played in thirteen countries and 115 cities.”

Helping to make the “Beethoven and Broadway” experience even more memorable, adds Vener, are approximately 200 members of the Cal Phil Chorale.

“The Cal Phil Chorale is made up of singers from many, many well established local choral and operatic ensembles, traveling from as far away as Temecula, Malibu,
San Bernardino and Laguna,” Basaraba reveals. “My job is to prepare and deliver a 'Sing It Yourself' Chorus that Maestro Vener can shape as another instrument.”

This month, Basaraba is especially thrilled that approximately 60 members of L.A. Daiku have joined the Chorale. Basaraba first met the singers while preparing a chorus for the American Premiere of a new translation of the 'Ode To Joy' by British singer/song writer, Billy Bragg, in the fall of 2009 as part of the film Following the Ninth.

“The Japanese word ‘daiku’ is translated literally as ‘the great nine’,” Jeffrey Bernstein, Music Director of L.A. Daiku, explains. “When a Japanese person says ‘daiku’, he or she is referring to Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. In Japan, there are literally hundreds of performances per year, with some of them drawing massed choirs of 500-600 participants.”

The Los Angeles Daiku, Bernstein adds, is the largest such group outside Japan. “The group was founded last fall after its charter members had participated in a performance of the work,” says Bernstein. “We are planning our own performance of the piece in the spring of 2011. Meanwhile we are eager and honored to add our voices to Cal Phil’s production.”

“Beethoven and Broadway” will begin on Saturday, August 21, at 5:30 p.m., when the gates to The Arboretum open for picnicking. Three vendors – including Robin’s Wood Fire BBQ & Grill, Bristol Farms and Neomeze Restaurant Bar and Lounge – will provide food on site as well. Wine will be provided by redwhite+bluezz. And, as has happened in the past, live jazz performances will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Parking on site is available. The Arboretum is located at 301 North Baldwin Avenue in Arcadia. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.calphil.org or call 626.300.8200.

Tickets for “Beethoven and Broadway” at Walt Disney Concert Hall on August 22 can be purchased through Ticketmaster online or by calling 800-745-3000. For downloadable order forms, seating and pricing, visit Cal Phil’s website: www.calphil.org..

Cal Phil will also present “Talks with the Maestro” at Disney Hall – at 1 p.m. prior to the concert. Vener stresses that these talks are not lectures but conversations between him and audience members; questions are encouraged. Walt Disney Concert Hall is located at 111 South Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles.