On January 11, 2009, Yo-Yo Ma joined LACO for the US Premiere of Osvaldo Golijov’s innovative Azul. In this Concert Preludes, Golijov discusses the piece with music director Jeffrey Kahane.

KUSC producer Brian Lauritzen sits down with LACO concertmaster Margaret Batjer to talk about the programming of the inaugural season of Westside Connections, and how music relates to other forms of artistic expression.

Brian Lauritzen continues his conversation with Margaret Batjer with a discussion about the repertoire for Westside Connections, the importance of chamber music to LACO and the poetic qualities of music.

Brian Lauritzen talks to poet and former NEA chairman Dana Gioia about his philosophies on the relationship between music and poetry. Mr. Gioia recites brief poetic selections to demonstrate the musicality of poetry, and talks about the works he has chosen to read at the first event of the series on February 12.

Preconcert Preludes are fun, informative and free to all ticket holders. LACO music director Jeffrey Kahane, soloist Makoto Nakura and composer Pierre Jalbert discuss different aspects of the marimba and the evening’s performance to come. Recording was made before Marimba on December 13 & 14.