L.A. rolls out a fabulous lineup of concerts every year, but the classical music ones always stand out for their elegance and charm. Nothing makes us feel more cultured than heading to a live music venue like The Los Angeles Music Center or Zipper Hall to enjoy a refined performance by classically trained musicians. So, feeling classy? We’ve got you — below we’ve rounded up all you need to know about classical concerts in L.A.
Table Of Contents
Venues hosting classical concerts in L.A.
1. Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
A base for LA Opera and has hosted performances by iconic soprano and opera singers including Renée Fleming and Angel Blue. It’s also hosted 20 Academy Award ceremonies in its time.
📍135 N Grand Ave
2. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Serves as the permanent home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Some of the best classical music conductors like Esa-Pekka Salonen have praised its outstanding acoustics.
📍111 S Grand Ave
3. REDCAT
Hosts many classical concerts that push the boundaries of the genre. Pianist Vicki Ray, who often incorporates electronics, animated visuals and improvisation into her performances, has performed here.
📍631 W 2nd St
4. Zipper Hall at the Colburn School
It’s famous for performances by Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra as well as students of the Colburn School. The venue also hosts Candlelight — a series of candlelit tributes to contemporary and classical music stars, from Joe Hisaishi to Vivaldi and more.
📍200 S Grand Ave
5. Rothenburg Hall at The Huntington
The hall features gorgeous white oak paneling and brilliant acoustics, making it a favorite for the likes of Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra to perform here.
📍1151 Oxford Rd
Orchestras in L.A.
Los Angeles Philharmonic: a GRAMMY-award winning ensemble directed by Gustavo Dudamel and based in Walt Disney Concert Hall (fall–spring) and Hollywood Bowl (summer).
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra: another famous L.A. orchestra whose season usually runs from September through to spring.
Santa Monica Symphony: present five free concerts each season (fall-spring) in venues across Santa Monica.
Long Beach Symphony: famous for their Starlight Serenades and Pops summer series and have a base at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.
Classical concert events in L.A.
1. Sundays Live at LACMA: chamber music concerts inside Los Angeles County Museum of Art every Sunday (and they’re free for NexGenLA members).
2. Colburn School Free Concerts: many student recitals and faculty concerts held throughout the year are free.
3. Hear Now Music Festival: a music festival that features classical performances held across various L.A. live music venues every spring, usually in April.
4. Chamber Music LA’s MusicBox: multiple chamber music organizations perform over the course of seven days, usually starting late August or early September.
5. Ojai Music Festival: a four-day classical music festival held in Ojai, California every June.
6. Grand Performances: a live music festival that takes place in the summer months every year and includes free classical concerts on their lineup.