5 Seismic Shifts: What You MUST Know About The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's Groundbreaking New Era

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) is currently undergoing one of the most transformative periods in its history, marking a new golden age for chamber music in Southern California. As of December 2025, the orchestra is firmly in the midst of its ambitious 2024/2025 season, which is defined by major venue changes, groundbreaking commissions, and the dynamic vision of its leadership.

This article dives deep into the most recent and relevant updates, providing an essential guide for classical music aficionados and newcomers alike. From a major new venue partnership to the appointment of its first-ever Creative Partner, the LACO is redefining what a modern chamber orchestra can be, solidifying its reputation as "America's finest chamber orchestra."

Visionary Leadership: Jaime Martín and the LACO Executive Team

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra's artistic and administrative direction is helmed by a powerful trio whose collective vision is driving the organization's growth and innovation.

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Jaime Martín: The Conductor-Flautist

• Role: Music Director, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (since 2019)
• Contract Extension: Extended through the 2026-2027 season.
• Born: September 1, 1965 (Spanish)
• Career Highlights: Martín is a world-renowned flautist who made a successful transition to conducting. He previously held principal flute positions in orchestras like the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Current Positions: In addition to LACO, he serves as Chief Conductor of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (since 2022) and the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, and is the Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

The Administrative and Creative Core

Music Director Jaime Martín works closely with Ben Cadwallader, the Executive Director, to manage the orchestra's strategic and operational goals.

A significant addition to the team is pianist, producer, and curator Lara Downes, who was appointed as LACO's first-ever Creative Partner in 2021.

Downes’s role is to curate innovative, genre-bending programs, such as the jazz-oriented concerts within the CURRENT series, and to foster new connections between music and the community.

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5 Major Shifts Defining LACO's New Era

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is not resting on its laurels. The following five developments represent the most current and impactful changes shaping its future, demonstrating a commitment to both classical tradition and contemporary innovation.

1. The New Colburn School Partnership and Venue Consolidation

A monumental change for the orchestra is the announcement of a new partnership with the prestigious Colburn School. Beginning with the 2025-2026 season, LACO will move its concerts from the Alex Theatre in Glendale to the Colburn School, marking a significant consolidation of its performance spaces.

Furthermore, all Westside concerts are moving to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. These venue shifts are designed to enhance the audience experience and strengthen LACO’s presence across the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

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2. The Groundbreaking 2024/2025 Season Premieres

The current 2024/2025 season is characterized by a strong focus on commissioned works and the championing of living composers.

• Jeff Beal World Premiere: The season features a LACO-commissioned World Premiere by the Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal.
• Dai Wei as Sound Investment Composer: LACO named Dai Wei as its 2024–2025 Sound Investment Composer. This commissioning program allows audience members to follow the creation of a new piece from conception to its world premiere, fostering a unique connection between the public and contemporary music.
• Creative Partner Debut: Lara Downes makes her LACO orchestral debut, performing Florence Price's powerful Piano Concerto in One Movement as part of the Americana-themed CURRENT series, "CURRENT: Routes."

3. The Return to Baroque and Classical Masterworks

While championing new music, LACO is simultaneously deepening its commitment to core classical repertoire, led by Music Director Jaime Martín.

The 2024/2025 season prominently features two major multi-year artistic initiatives:

• MAESTROS: MARTÍN BACH Series: Martín is conducting the complete Bach Orchestral Suites.
• Haydn Symphonic Trilogy: The orchestra is performing Haydn's symphonic trilogy: Morning, Noon, and Night.

This dedication to historical masterworks is also seen in the popular Baroque Conversations series, which continues to explore the rich tapestry of 17th and 18th-century compositions.

4. The Innovative "CURRENT" and Community Programs

LACO’s programming extends beyond the main Orchestral Series with innovative formats designed to engage diverse audiences. The CURRENT Concerts series is a key vehicle for this, featuring non-traditional venues and multidisciplinary collaborations.

Past seasons have seen programs like "Music + the Body," and the LACO is known for its LACO Fellowship, a transformative opportunity designed to mentor and inspire the next generation of classical musicians.

5. The Enduring Legacy of Sound Investment

The Sound Investment commissioning program, originally introduced during the tenure of former Music Director Jeffrey Kahane, remains a cornerstone of LACO's identity. It has facilitated the creation of new works by composers such as Danny Elfman (in a prior season) and Juan Pablo Contreras, whose new piano quintet, Musas Mexicanas, was a notable LACO premiere.

This program is a powerful example of how the orchestra uses its platform to enrich the global repertoire, ensuring that the Los Angeles classical music scene is at the forefront of contemporary composition.

The Future of Chamber Music in Los Angeles

With its Westside concerts now at the Wallis Annenberg Center and a major new partnership with the Colburn School on the horizon for 2025/2026, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is strategically positioned for the future. Under the baton of Jaime Martín, the orchestra continues to blend the intimacy of chamber music with the grandeur of orchestral performance, making it an essential cultural pillar in the city.

The focus on new commissions from composers like Dai Wei and Jeff Beal, alongside the deep dive into the masterworks of Bach and Haydn, confirms LACO's commitment to artistic excellence and relevance. The orchestra’s proactive approach to venue and programming ensures that the transformative musical experiences it offers will continue to connect and enrich the community for years to come.