Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) is a renowned ensemble celebrated for its interpretations of classical masterworks and its support of contemporary composers. Established in 1968, LACO was founded by cellist James Arkatov as a creative venture for the most talented musicians from the recording industry, providing them with an opportunity to engage in high-level artistic collaboration alongside their studio and teaching commitments. The orchestra's inaugural performances were supported by philanthropist Richard Colburn, with legal and managerial guidance from attorney Joseph Troy, who also served as the orchestra's first president.\n\nLACO's reputation as a leading chamber orchestra has been acknowledged by Public Radio International, which called it \"America's finest chamber orchestra,\" and by the Los Angeles Magazine, which referred to it as \"LA’s most unintimidating chamber music experience.\" The Los Angeles Times praised the orchestra as \"resplendent,\" while KUSC Classical FM recognized it as one of the world's great chamber orchestras.\n\nOver the years, LACO has been under the baton of illustrious music directors, including Sir Neville Marriner, Gerard Schwarz, Iona Brown, Christof Perick, and Jeffrey Kahane. Each contributed to the orchestra's tradition of joyous and exceptional music-making. In 2019, Jaime Martín, a conductor celebrated for his discerning and meticulous approach, as noted by Platea Magazine, took on the role of Music Director, ushering in a new era for the orchestra.\n\nThe Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra has an impressive record of 31 recordings, international tours to Europe, South America, and Japan, and performances throughout North America. The orchestra has also been recognized with eight ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming. LACO's administrative offices are situated in downtown Los Angeles.\n\nThe mission of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is to enrich and connect the community through intimate and transformative musical experiences that embody and promote artistic excellence, education, and innovation. LACO envisions itself as a cultural force in Los Angeles and aspires to be acknowledged as a premier orchestra on a global scale.\n\nIn addition to its musical endeavors, LACO is associated with the Harbor Freeway Overture, a cultural landmark created by muralist Kent Twitchell. The mural features portraits of musicians and patrons of LACO and is prominently displayed on the walls of a parking structure adjacent to FIGat7th, an open-air shopping mall in downtown Los Angeles. The mural is seen by more than 250,000 drivers daily and has become an iconic representation of Los Angeles as a center for the arts.\n\nLACO is also a founding partner of Chamber Music LA, a collective of six distinguished chamber music presenters dedicated to fostering a community of musicians and listeners through collaboration. Partners in this initiative include Camerata Pacifica, The Colburn School, Jacaranda Music, Pittance Chamber Music, and Salastina Music Society.\n\nFor further information about the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, including their concert season, ticket policies, and educational initiatives, please visit their website.