Long Beach's Weekend of Cultural Arts: New Compositions and Mozart Celebrations

Long Beach's Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is gearing up for a rich display of Latino cultural expressions through various art forms this weekend. The event, titled "CURRENT: intimate," is a collaboration between the museum, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and the LA LGBT Center, and will take place on Saturday, Jan. 20.

"CURRENT: intimate" is a program that will showcase a mix of notable masterpieces, the world premiere of new works, and innovative interpretations of classical music. The line-up includes pieces by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tania León, Angélica Negrón, Violeta Parra, Camilo Gonzalez-Sol, and Marcos Balter.

A major highlight will be the debut of a new composition by the highly regarded composer inti figgis-vizueta, alongside a fresh arrangement by Carolina Heredia.

Composer figgis-vizueta, based in New York, is recognized for interweaving elements of personal identity into music, encompassing aspects of Black, Andean, and Irish heritage. The upcoming, intimately personal piece aims to integrate traditional aesthetics and avant-garde elements with visions of trans and Indigenous futures.

The chamber program will commence at MOLAA, located at 628 Alamitos Avenue, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 20. To obtain tickets, attendees may visit the provided link.

Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra

In continuation of Long Beach's musical festivities, the Musica Angelica Baroque Orchestra will honor Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's legacy on his birthday, Jan. 27. An array of music selections reflecting Mozart's artistic growth, from his early years to his final times in Vienna, will be performed.

The orchestra will also feature other prominent pieces by contemporaries of Mozart, including works by Michael Haydn and Joseph Haydn. The content promises an evening filled with emotion and vitality, evoking both joy and empathy. The iconic "Eine kleine Nachtmusik, K.525" and the "Flute Quartet in D Major" are amongst the planned repertoire.

The concert will take place at the Beverly O’Neill Theater, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., starting at 7:30 p.m. To participate in the celebration of Mozart, tickets are available online.

Long Beach Community Theater

The Long Beach Community Theater extends an invitation to its monthly event, "Speak. Easy." It is an informal storytelling gathering that takes place every third Thursday of the month at DiPiazza's, aiming to strengthen connections within the community. Attendees are welcomed either to share stories or to listen empathetically.

The event's theme revolves around transitions and change, with stories reflecting on loss and appreciation, holding on, and letting go. It begins at 7:30 p.m., and while tickets are free, contributions are suggested and appreciated.

Julia Keefe Quartet

Concluding the week's cultural offerings, the Julia Keefe Quartet will perform at the Carpenter Performing Center on Jan. 26. Acclaimed Indigenous jazz vocalist Julia Keefe delivers a blend of original jazz pieces and classic tunes, adding to the diverse tapestry of Long Beach's art scenes. Keefe often highlights the often overlooked contributions of Indigenous jazz artists in history.

The event comes under the Carpenter Center’s "Arts for Life Community Connections" series and will be free to the public. While online reservations may be closed, seats can still be claimed at the event.

theater, music, premiere