Music

Phillip Glass’s Portrait Trilogy is unlike any operas ever composed. The only thing that comes close is Wagner’s Ring Cycle. For one, there are four Rings, but just three Portraits (for now), Both flex language for effect. The Rings are in ancient Germany to give the libretto a fantasy feel, while Einstein on the Beach is in English (and lots of numbers), Satyagraha is entirely in Sanskrit, and Akhnaten is in Ancient Egyptian, Akkadian, Biblical Hebrew…and English. But that is where the similarities end. Whereas Wagner followed a traditional narrative structure for the Rings, Glass pursued hypnotic tableaus—which sprang beautifully from his music which some call minimalism, but the composer prefers to call music with repetitive structures. Nevertheless, it is this quality that makes his Trilogy feel timeless, epic, and an absolute must to experience.

For the LA Opera’s 40th anniversary, they are presenting the portrait of the revolutionary Pharaoh, Akhnaten, from February 28 through March 22. Phelim McDermott is once again directing acrobats and jugglers, as well as countertenor John Holiday in the title role. Flanking the religious radical will be Sun-Ly Pierce as Nefertiti, and bass Zachary James, reprising his commanding role as Amenhotep III. Conductor Dalia Stasevska will make her company debut guiding the meditative orchestral textures that feel both ancient and avant-garde. Striking that balance is the magical alchemy that makes Akhnaten stand out in the pantheon of opera, feeling ancient, while also being the great contemporary opera we have. 

For tickets and show times, click here.

If you’ve never experienced the incomparable Bernadette Peters in Concert, now is your chance! McCoy Rigby Entertainment is presenting Peters for one show only on Friday, March 6, at 8pm, at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts (which the LA Times has called, “One of the best Broadway-style houses in Southern California”). And there’s free parking! Peters’ long list of Broadway triumphs includes Mack & Mabel, Sunday in the Park with George, Song and Dance, Into the Woods, Annie Get Your Gun, Gypsy, The Goodbye Girl, A Little Night Music, Follies, and Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, and many more. Throughout her illustrious career, she has dazzled audiences and critics with her performances on stage, film and television, in concert, and on recordings. She has won three Tony Awards and a Golden Globe, has four Emmy and four Grammy Award nominations, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Other events at La Mirada Theatre this month include Giordano Dance Chicago performing their dazzling one-act Gershwin in B (March 7); New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players’ critically acclaimed production of The Mikado (March 8); Journey USA – The Hits of Journey (March 14); Tony Award-winner Debbie Gravitte (March 15); charismatic pop icon Shaun Cassidy, combining live music and storytelling (March 20); Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock ‘n Roll, Part 5 (March 21); and The Stinky Cheese Man, a hilarious children’s musical based on the beloved book (March 29). Something for everyone, for sure!

For more, click here.

This March, the Los Angeles Philharmonic returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall for an inspiring program under Music Director Gustavo Dudamel. Performing Dudamel, Dante, and Beethoven 6 comes during Dudamel’s final season leading the orchestra after a remarkable 17‑year tenure, part of the Philharmonic’s “Gracias Gustavo” celebration of his legacy.

The program pairs contrasting musical worlds. It opens with “Inferno” by contemporary composer Thomas Adès, inspired by Dante Alighieri’s vivid depiction of the underworld. Intense, dramatic, and vividly orchestrated, this work showcases the Philharmonic’s dynamic range and Dudamel’s skill for shaping powerful musical narratives.

In contrast, Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 in F Major, “Pastoral,” offers warmth, lyricism, and a deep sense of peace. Evoking birdsong, flowing streams, and bucolic light, Beethoven’s beloved masterpiece highlights the orchestra’s expressive depth and emotional clarity under Dudamel’s energetic direction.

These performances follow earlier February concerts featuring Beethoven’s works and world premieres that were also part of Dudamel’s final season at Disney Hall, giving audiences a rare chance to hear his evolving artistic voice across several programs.

Also happening this month… Star-Crossed Rendezvous March 10, 2026, Earl Lee, conductor, Haegue Yang, lighting prelude and Emmanuel Ceysson, harp. Then, John Williams & Rachmaninoff March 13, 2026, Anna Handler, conductor and featuring Thomas Hooten, Trumpet. Don’t miss it!

For more information, click here.

Get to the Saban Theatre March 21st and 22nd for Gay Men’s Chorus Los Angeles’ spring 2026 concert, And the Beat Goes On. From gospel, R&B, Motown, and Broadway, GMCLA brings the beat, rhythm, and heart and soul of some of the best music ever written, with greatest hits from Stevie Wonder, the Temptations, Gladys Knight, and musicals Dreamgirls and The Wiz. Stunning gospel works will showcase the power of GMCLA’s 200 voices, making this a one-of-a-kind musical event.

Guest soprano Nicole Heaston, internationally featured in opera houses worldwide, will be joined by soloist and former GMCLA performer Melvin Robert. Robert is well-known as KTLA 5’s Morning News Entertainment Anchor. He previously co-anchored Good Day LA and has many more tv credits, including Hacks, and as a musical theatre performer has appeared in several musicals (Rent, Miss Saigon.) He is a journalist, actor, producer, and singer, and was raised in Inglewood. 

In celebration of our 250th year of independence, GMCLA will present a concert of protest songs and gay anthems on June 27th and 28th.

Founded in 1979, GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF LOS ANGELES, under the leadership of Executive Director & Producer Lou Spisto and Music Director & Conductor Ernest H. Harrison, is in its 47th year of music excellence and service to the Los Angeles community and beyond by promoting civil rights, tolerance, and acceptance through music. 

For tickets, click here.