LE SALON DE MUSIQUES

Last Sunday, I finally made it to the once-a-month, (from October-May,) late-afternoon concert, Le Salon de Musique, and wish I had been free in the previous months to enjoy this whole series. It was one of the most relaxing, classy events of my year so far, and I don’t envision any others eclipsing it on either front.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Le Salon de Musique is basically a three-part classical music event in one intimate space atop the venerable Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, with beautiful views of the plaza below and the mountains above. I’ve been to this location for many parties over the years, but never during the day. It brought me back to my Lincoln Center philharmonic concert days growing up in New York. My parents always made sure that my siblings and I had cultural experiences, and the entire family would have loved this one.

Le Salon is the brain child of French pianist/melodist François Chouchan. Each month, they feature a different program of chamber music with rotating musicians, followed by a champagne toast and brief discussion, and then a lovely buffet catered by Patina. What’s not to like?

Photo by Carole Sternicha.

It was a joy to hear Schubert and Mozart so up-close and personal. I had lots on my mind that day, but the second that Violinist Phillip Levy bowed his first note, I snapped to attention. It brought me to another place. (Julie Gigante on violin, David Low on cello, and Andrew Duckles and Victoria Miskolczy on viola rounded-out the string quintet.)

I always begin writing movies in my head at classical concerts, perhaps because this genre brings up more emotions in me than any other. (Even more than hip-hop and R&B! I’m not kidding about them.) Possibly that happens because I grew-up dancing ballet, and that’s the feeling that every note of classical evokes in me.

And once again, I had to sit near the back of the audience, which was still really close, because I’m the only person who bops to classical. I don’t know how others can sit still! It boggles the mind.

Anyway, a question-and-answer period followed the concert, led by professor Byron Adams, (who had many anecdotes about Mozart’s family,) while we sipped on special champagne, imported by the Montesquieu Winery in France. You all know I hate the taste of alcohol, but this was such a treat for everyone in attendance that I had to muster a few sips, which added to the classiness of this whole event.

I had a question, but I was afraid the answer would be too long, and I was eyeing the buffet, so I kept it to myself. So, if any of you know the answer to it, please feel free to let us know in the comments section below. Here it is: what crazy person invented not clapping between movements??? We all want to applaud, and it’s just weird to hold back from giving the musicians their due. It seems rude to me, and I can’t imagine why that’s de rigueur at concerts.

I have so much more to say about classical music, but hopefully one day I’ll address it all in one of my Karen’s Musings columns. But now I must tell you about the post-concert repast.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

The buffet was actually a perfect afternoon tea! I don’t know if that’s what they were going for, but it’s what they achieved, happily for the assemblage. It was presented beautifully, as well. The finger sandwiches were salmon on pumpernickel, roast beef and cucumber on sourdough toast, tuna salad on e-word bread, and e-word salad on white. (No matter how classy the event, I still can’t say or write the real e-word. If you’re a newcomer to my quirks, it’s the oval white thing that many people eat for breakfast.)

Then there were cranberry scones with creamy butter and vanilla whipped cream, fresh berries, and lots of small sweet treats, such as chocolate-covered biscotti, two flavors of éclairs, and petit cookies in a variety of flavors. And, of course, tea! Coffee, more champagne, and water, as well.

This kind of lovely and relaxing event can’t be often enough. But sadly, next month is the last one for the season, and they don’t begin again until October. So, if you’re a music fan, or an afternoon tea fan, or just a fan of spending some peaceful and educational time in Los Angeles, see the info below to make your reservations for May, before they sell-out.

The next concert, and last one of the season, is on May 15, 20011.    www.lesalondemusiques.com