Random Happening: Start 2023 With Classical Music in South Bay

South Bay Wind Ensemble Premiere Concert and South Bay Chamber Music Society turns 60.

The South Bay Music Association — parent corporation to the El Segundo Concert Band — announces the creation of the high-level performing group, South Bay Wind Ensemble. The group’s premiere concert will be held  Jan. 28, at the Warner Grand Theatre, in San Pedro, under the direction of Maestro Steven Allen Fox.

Under the direction of Steven Allen Fox, South Bay Wind Ensemble’s mission is to provide semi-professional and dedicated amateur musicians the opportunity to perform challenging and rewarding concerts; and to provide the South Bay community an exceptional concert experience.

Fox is principal conductor for the Los Angeles Film Orchestra and the Golden State Pops Orchestra. He has conducted the San Francisco Symphony, the Silly Symphonies Orchestra, Hollywood Studio Symphony and the Video Games Live Orchestra. He made his Walt Disney Concert Hall debut the summer of 2022, conducting Basil Poledouris, The Music and the Movies.

The inaugural concert From Chaos Into Life will feature works by Leonard Bernstein, Morten Lauridsen, Alfred Reed and culminates in the epic Symphony Number 8 by David Maslanka. 

“Many people are not aware of the incredible music created for Wind Ensemble. I am proud of the selections we have programmed on this concert, and feel it will display an incredible expression of how struggle can become triumph,” said Maestro Fox

Time: 7 p.m. Jan. 28, with pre-concert lecture for premium ticket holders. 

Cost: $15 and up

Details: 310-433-8774; www.sbmusic.org

Venue: Warner Grand Theatre, 478 W 6th St.,  San Pedro

SBCMS Celebrates 60 Years

South Bay Chamber Music Society or SBCMS is celebrating its 60th year. SBCMS annually presents seven or eight pairs of concerts, free to the public. Performances are held Friday evenings at Los Angeles Harbor College in Wilmington, and Sunday afternoons at Pacific Unitarian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes. Rob Thies, SBCMS artistic director, has won distinguished awards.

Time: The Pacific Trio will play at 8 p.m., Jan. 20 at Harbor College and 3 p.m., Jan. 22 at PUC 

Details: https://sbcms.net/ 

Venues: L.A. Harbor College, 1111 Figueroa Place, Wilmington and PUC 5621 Montemalaga Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes.