By JOHN HARLOW | Editor-in-Chief
The Palisades Symphony and, for those who prefer their classical gas a little more pianissimo, Chamber Music Palisades, have opened their seasons—and are ready to amaze, amuse and elevate the soul.
Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
The 10-year-old symphony orchestra is deep into Thursday night rehearsals at Palisades Charter High School on Handal’s oratorio “Judas Maccabeaus” for a concert on Dec. 4 with the Brentwood-Palisades Chorale. It will be performed at the Palisades Methodist Church.
The orchestra, led by founder and lead violinist Joel B. Lish, is known for its Beethoven (Its summer concert version of “Fidelio” remains beloved—like the Handal, it’s about personal freedom) and Mozart, but it’s not afraid to take on tougher works by Stravinski and Nicolai.
And if that gets too stern, it will throw in a “lollipop,” or crowd pleaser, at the end of the night.
The chamber orchestra opened on Oct. 25 with Vivaldi and Bizet, but also threw in lesser known works by Hungarian Gyorgy Ligeti—famous for his score to “2001: A Space Odyssey”—and Ludwig Thuille, a friend of Richard Stauss.
The 20-year-old group is unveiling a similar electric mix in their next concert at St. Mathew’s Episcopal Church on Jan. 17 when they will perform works not just by Strauss and Schubert but also by Bay Area composer Jake Heggie, perhaps best known for his acclaimed opera “Dead Man Walking,” based on the Sean Penn/Susan Sarandon movie.
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