Every now and again, you witness something in the performative arts that feels transcendent, almost hard to believe. This was my impression of the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, who performed at Walt Disney Hall as part of the Songs About Town series a couple of weeks back, and who, on the night in question, sent Associate Artistic Director, Mandy Brigham, into her next chapter after twenty-two years of lending her expertise and enthusiasm to one of the most decorated Childrens' Chorus' in the country.

The program was exceptionally eclectic, with highlights including world premiere, "But, we press on" by Derrick Skye and Ellen Gilson Voth; "Ciranda de Lua" by Daisy Fragoso; traditional Korean song, “Arirang": and a delightful ditty toward the end of the program known as "When I'm 64”, by Paul McCartney. 

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At 300 strong on this particular evening, the Chorus serves “over 400 young people ages 6–18 from 40+ communities across Southern California through its seven choirs, First Experiences in Singing class, and First Experiences in Choral Singing ensemble,” according to the Phil. The esteem surrounding the organization—that of Grammy Awards, performing with Billie Eilish, or recording with John Williams c/o Steven Spielberg—is easily appreciated. LACC belongs in the space as though it is of their own making. 

In her final curtain call, Brigham glowed with the years poured into fostering the powerful voices of the Chorus, sorted by age and ensemble, across the decadent Frank Gehry-blessed stage. Congrats to her. What a touching evening, what astonishing skill on display.

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