By Robert D. Thomas
Music Critic
Pasadena Star-News/San Gabriel Valley Tribune/Whittier Daily News
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Each Thursday, I list five events that pique my interest, including (ideally) at least one with free admission (or, at a minimum, inexpensive tickets). Here’s today’s grouping:
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• Tomorrow at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Walt Disney Concert Hall — NOTE: THE SATURDAY TIME IS 2 P.M., NOT 8 P.M. AS ORIGINALLY STATED
Los Angeles Philharmonic: Gaffigan and Watts
James Gaffigan makes his Disney Hall debut leading a program of Respighi, Bartok and Grieg. Pianist André Watts will be soloist in the Grieg Piano Concerto. Information: www.laphil.com
• Friday at 8 p.m. at Shady Canyon Golf Club; Irvine
Charles Castronovo in recital
This young American tenor, who was terrific in the lead role of Daniel Catán’s Il Postino for LA Opera a couple of seasons ago, joins with Taso Comanescu, guitar, and Austin Grant, guitar/mandolin, in an intimate recital/reception/dinner at one of Southern California’s most exclusive country clubs. The program, sponsored by Orange County Philhuarmonic Society, will feature a selection of Neapolitan songs. You must RSVP ahead of time for this program and I suggest you do so via phone: (949) 553-2422: Information: www.philharmonicsociety.org
• Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Ambassador Auditorium
Pasadena Symphony: Nicholas McGegan conducts
In large measure because of his work leading the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, Nicholas McGegan is best known as an early music specialist, but this weekend he leads the Pasadena Symphony in a program that concludes with a much larger work: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 (Eroica). Armenian pianist Nareh Arghamanyan will be the soloist in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20. Information: www.pasadenasymphony-pops.org
• Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 7 p.m. at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Los Angeles Master Chorale: Bach’s St. John Passion
Grant Gershon leads 40 members of his chorale, soloists and Musica Angelica’s baroque orchestra in a performance one of Bach’s finest works, St. John Passion. Information: www.lamc.org
And the weekend’s “free admission” program …
• Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at First Church of Christ, Scientist, Pasadena
Pipe Organs Inspire Recital
Three downtown Pasadena churches — First Church of Christ, Scientist, Pasadena Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church — and their organists — David Wolfe (FCCSP), Timothy Howard (PPC) and Ae-Kyong Kim (FUMC) — are collaborating on this three-recital series that features all three organists performing on different programs at each venue. Information: www.pipeorgansinspire.org
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(c) Copyright 2012, Robert D. Thomas. All rights reserved. Portions may be quoted with attribution.