Historic Appointment: Lara Downes Becomes LA Chamber Orchestra’s First Creative Partner

In a significant development for the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), Music Director Jaime Martín has announced the appointment of Lara Downes as the orchestra’s first Creative Partner. This three-year appointment, beginning on July 1, 2024, marks a pivotal moment for LACO, as Downes is set to influence every aspect of the organization, from artistic planning and performance to community engagement, advocacy, and education platforms.

Downes, a decorated pianist, recording artist, and media personality, is renowned for her commitment to change and advocacy in the arts. Despite her new responsibilities with LACO, she will continue her independent performance, broadcasting, and recording activities. Her upcoming album, THIS LAND (Pentatone, August 23, 2024), is a powerful and soulful reflection on a critical American moment, celebrating the diversity of stories and journeys that have shaped the nation’s history.

Downes’ Vision and Role at LACO

Lara Downes is no stranger to the Southern California arts scene. She is a familiar voice on the radio as the host of Evening Music on KUSC and the creator and host of NPR’s video series Amplify with Lara Downes. Her nationally syndicated program, Classical Americana, produced by Classical California/KUSC, has garnered millions of followers.

Jaime Martín expressed his excitement about Downes’ appointment, stating, “LACO is thrilled to welcome Lara Downes as the Orchestra’s first Creative Partner. She is an iconoclastic artist and beloved radio host with millions of followers on air, online, and in the concert hall. Her passion for classical music and ensuring access to all communities aligns perfectly with LACO’s mission to advance the chamber music art form.”

Downes herself is equally enthusiastic about her new role. “I am delighted to join LACO as the Orchestra’s Creative Partner. This unique role harnesses my interests and energies across performance, curation, community engagement, education, and advocacy. LACO’s visionary programming travels the long road of our art form – territory for my artistic explorations of musical crossroads where past meets present, traditions merge, journeys converge, and new ideas take root.”

Upcoming Projects and Performances

During the 2024-25 season, Downes will make her LACO mainstage debut performing Florence Price’s Piano Concerto under Martín’s baton. She will also curate CURRENT: Routes, the first of two CURRENT programs exploring musical connections across the Americana landscape. Describing the concert, Downes said, “Routes follows the highways of American music, making surprising roadside discoveries and detours to crossroads where musical traditions merge and transform. We will explore the roots of folk tunes, Aaron Copland’s portraits of the Wild West, and connect with the rural San Gabriel Valley childhood of American maverick Roy Harris. We will trace the routes of the Great Migration in the music of William Grant Still, who started his American journey in Jim Crow Mississippi and ended in bohemian, 1970s Los Angeles.”

In addition to her performance and curation duties, Downes will serve in a creative advisory capacity to Martín, identify and mentor LACO’s Sound Investment composer, and participate in the advancement of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Fellowship. She will also represent LACO in the national arts and culture field.

About Lara Downes

Lara Downes has been honored as Classical Woman of the Year by NPR’s Performance Today and described as a “musical ray of hope” by NBC News. She is a trailblazer in the classical music world, known for her dynamic work as a soloist, Billboard Chart-topping recording artist, and beloved NPR personality. Her musical roadmap seeks inspiration from history, family, and collective memory, creating gathering spaces for listeners to find common ground and shared experience.

Downes’ recent and upcoming onstage adventures include guest appearances with orchestras in Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Louisville, and Indianapolis. She has performed recitals and residencies at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center, Disney Hall, Ravinia, Tanglewood, and the Gilmore Festival. Her creative collaborations span a wide range of artists, including the Miró Quartet, Rhiannon Giddens, Pulitzer Prize poet Rita Dove, Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell, and violinist Daniel Hope.

Downes is also active as a curator and creative partner with Lincoln Center, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and the Brevard Music Festival. Her insightful approach to concept curation has led to a series of chart-topping recordings on Pentatone, Sony Masterworks, and Sono Luminus labels. Her latest release, Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined, has been featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, the Wall Street Journal, and Downbeat Magazine.

Our Advice on the City

For those planning to visit Los Angeles, the appointment of Lara Downes as LACO’s Creative Partner offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant cultural scene. We recommend attending one of Downes’ curated performances with LACO to witness her innovative approach to classical music firsthand.

For occasional travelers, consider exploring the diverse neighborhoods of Los Angeles, each with its own unique cultural offerings. From the historic theaters of Downtown LA to the artistic hubs of Silver Lake and Echo Park, the city is a treasure trove of artistic experiences waiting to be discovered.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into the city’s music scene by visiting iconic venues such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. These venues host a variety of performances that showcase the rich tapestry of Los Angeles’ musical heritage.

In conclusion, Lara Downes’ appointment as LACO’s first Creative Partner is a significant milestone for the orchestra and the city’s cultural landscape. Her visionary approach to music and commitment to community engagement promise to create inspiring and intimate musical experiences that will resonate with audiences in Los Angeles and beyond. Whether you are a casual visitor or a seasoned traveler, Los Angeles offers a wealth of cultural experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression.