PAST CONCERTS: 2017-2018
October 21
Baroque Showcase
Nicola Antonio Porpora: Cello Concerto in G major – David Garrett, cello
Johann Sebastian Bach: Keyboard Concerto in D major, BWV 1054 – Junko Ueno Garrett, piano
George Frideric Handel: Psalm 112, Laudate Pueri – Lisa Eden, soprano, with the Chancel Choir
Third@First Chamber Orchestra, Gregory Norton, conductor
The season opens with a concert of concertos – music for solo instruments accompanied by orchestra. The program includes a cello concerto by one of Joseph Haydn’s teachers, the Neapolitan composer Nicola Porpora, and continues with one of J.S. Bach’s masterworks for keyboard. First UMC’s Chancel Choir will present one of Handel’s lesser-known choral works that at times resembles a ‘concerto’ for soprano. Made possible, in part, by Don and Lori Meaders.
November 18
The Grand Organ
Aaron Shows, organist
In the past, the organ was heard in many places in addition to church. In this program, First UMC’s organist will display the many ways “The King of Instruments” has been used - from church to concert hall to accompanying silent films.
December 16
Christmas Joy Concert
All of First UMC’s choirs and ensembles combine for a joyous celebration of the season. Featured music includes Shawn Kirchner’s Behold New Joy, piano ensemble, handbells, audience carols - and more!
January 20
The Spirit Chorale of Los Angeles
The Spirit Chorale celebrates over 20 years on a journey of preserving music of African-American composers, especially the Negro spiritual. Director and founder Byron J. Smith is joined by some of the most sought-after voices in Los Angeles who form this dynamic ensemble.
February 17
Romance on Piano
Junko Ueno Garrett, pianist
Robert Schumann: Kreisleriana, op. 16
Johannes Brahms: Drei Intermezzi, op. 117
Frédéric Chopin: Andante spianato et Grand Polonaise brillante, op. 22
An internationally-known pianist and founder of the Third@First Concert Series, Junko Ueno Garrett has captivated audiences with her colorful tone, poetry, expressiveness, dynamic technique, and wide range of repertoire.
March 17
Bernstein Centennial Celebration
Junko Ueno Garrett, piano and David Garrett, cello
The Chancel Choir and soloists
The genius of American composer Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) inspires this 100th birthday celebration. Included will be Three Meditations for cello and piano from Mass; Chichester Psalms for choir, organ, harp and percussion and a selection of solo songs.
April 21
Joy of Chamber Music
Members of Los Angeles Philharmonic & Junko Ueno Garrett
Alexander Zemlinsky: Clarinet Trio, op. 3
Johannes Brahms: Trio in B Major, op. 8
Burt Hara, clarinet
Lyndon Johnston Taylor, violin
David Garrett, cello
Junko Ueno Garrett, piano
The American author and violinist Catherine Drinker Bowen famously described chamber music as “a conversation between friends.” These friends and colleagues from the LA Phil will share their ‘conversation’ with us as they return to First UMC for this popular annual event.
May 19
ALS Benefit Concert
Ken Berry & Friends - award-winning composer & guitarist
Trio Kait, featuring Kait Dunton
The Remotes, featuring Tiffany LaBarbera Palmer
Polytechnic School Jazz with guest drummer Clay Hillenburg
Emcee: Larry Mantle, KPCC Radio Personality
Every day 15 people are newly diagnosed with ALS (also called “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”) and an estimated 30,000 Americans are currently living with the disease. This outdoor concert of jazz and popular music will benefit efforts to cure ALS. Come enjoy the performers and help stop ALS.
June 19
Todd Wilander, lyric tenor with Paul Floyd, pianist
Recently praised by Opera News for his “clear and sweet lyrical tone and brave, vocally assured portrayals” (The New York Times), Todd Wilander is quickly emerging as one of the most sought-after leading tenors on American and European stages. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2007 and is a former Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions winner.
July 21
Piano Spectacular - 2 Piano Concert
Paul Floyd and Junko Ueno Garrett, pianists
Music by Mozart, Lutoslawski, Rachmaninoff and Mihaud
Four hands at Two pianos at Third @ First! Series coordinator Junko Ueno Garrett is joined by Paul Floyd to close the season with a variety of music written for two pianos.
Made possible, in part, by Steinway Gallery, Pasadena.