In the 1930s and 1940s, Austrian and German composers took up residence in Los Angeles, mentoring young experimentalists like John Cage. This course explores the musical culture of this time through a live recital of opera, as well as a roundtable discussion.
“This is an opportunity for lovers of opera and art to celebrate the vibrant and shifting cultural landscape of Los Angeles during this time,” said Clare Kunny, education manager at the J. Paul Getty Museum. “The ’30s and ’40s are the springboard for Pacific Standard Time programming, and this collaboration provides an additional context to explore innovation in the visual and performing arts at this time.”
Day one takes place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, where conductor James Conlon, the Richard Seaver Music Director of LA Opera, will discuss the generation of Austrian and German composers who fled to Los Angeles and Mitchell Morris will talk about their impact as teachers and mentors at several local schools. The discussion is followed by a recital of musical selections reflecting the period.
“With the rise of the Third Reich, a great number of important composers fled Central Europe, and many of them settled in Southern California,” said Mr. Conlon. “The astonishing diversity and quality of their work made Los Angeles one of the greatest—and least appreciated—musical centers of the early 20th century. I look forward to examining the powerful influence that these composers continue to exert on our musical landscape to this day. ”
In day two, Nancy Perloff, curator of Modern and Contemporary collections, Getty Research Institute, moderates a roundtable discussion that explores the significance of Los Angeles’ émigré culture for young American composers, providing another perspective on the visual arts celebrated in Pacific Standard Time. Panelists include Katharina Schulenberg-Leduc, film producer; Bryan R. Simms, professor of musicology, USC Thornton School of Music; and Mark Swed, music critic, Los Angeles Times.
Course fee is $35; $30 for students and LA Opera members. Seats are limited. Purchase tickets online or by calling (310) 440-7300.
Course Schedule
Part I: Saturday, January 21, 2012
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Rehearsal Room 4
10:30am–1pm: Discussion with James Conlon and Mitchell Morris, followed by recital.
Part II: Sunday, January 29, 2012 Getty Research Institute Lecture Hall and galleries, Getty Center
10:30am–12pm: A roundtable discussion moderated by Nancy Perloff with panelists:
- Katharina Schulenberg-Leduc, film producer
- Bryan R. Simms, professor of musicology, USC Thornton School of Music
- Mark Swed, music critic, Los Angeles Times
12–1pm: Viewing of Pacific Standard Time exhibitions with Lilit Sadoyan and Audrey Chan, educators, the J. Paul Getty Museum