stokkete - stock.adobe.com

Whether you're new to orchestra concerts or you've been going to them for your whole life, there is always some degree of wondering: what does the conductor actually do?

 

The basics are pretty easy and entertainingly described in this video from Rainer Hersch, a British stand-up comedian also trained as a conductor and pianist. Watch it here!

 

But what makes a conductor GREAT? Ah, well that’s a conversation for another newsletter.

Walter Cicchetti - stock.adobe.com

If you want to find good food, follow a classical music person. Orchestras that go on tour always have a few people with a nose for sniffing out the best eats, especially ones that might be open after a performance.

Composer Nico Muhly (who is a fantastic cook and foodie) recommends the Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles. The market first opened in 1917 and features more than forty casual and tasty vendors. And it's just a hop from Walt Disney Concert Hall, home of the famed Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Watch as the LA Times takes you inside this truly eclectic destination.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

So much great classical music has been intertwined with spirituality and written for sacred settings. For those who love classical music, the inspiration and celebration can carry transformative spiritual feelings.

 

American composer Carlos Simon, a "PK" (preacher's kid) who grew up at his father's church, has distilled that experience into his new work Good News Mass. It recently premiered with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, featuring R&B artist Samoht, singer and actor Zebulon Ellis, and Jason White and his gospel choir The Samples. Dare we hope for a recording soon?

 

In the meantime, you can watch an engaging interview with Carlos from pianist Lara Downes' Amplify series.