A&E News Briefs

On Saturday, March 4 at 8 p.m., the Long Beach Symphony will fill the Terrace Theater of the Long Beach Performing Arts Center with the sounds of music by Beethoven and Dvořák, as well as an oboe concerto by German composer, Ludwig August Lebrun. The orchestra will be led by guest conductor Paul Polivnick, who is a prominent figure on the world stage. Doors open to the public at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy music in the lobby, and guests are encouraged to attend a free pre-concert talk at 7 p.m. Tickets to the Long Beach Symphony’s Classical concerts start at $25 with student tickets available for $10. For more information, or to purchase tickets and subscriptions, please visit the Symphony’s website at www.LongBeachSymphony.org or call (562) 436-3203 ext. 1.

The public is invited to attend a free concert featuring Concert Organist Ken Cowan, on Sunday, March 5, at 4 p.m., at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 607 E. 3rd St. Regarded as one of North America’s finest concert organists and praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique, and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, Ken Cowan maintains a rigorous performing schedule that takes him to major concert venues in America, Canada, Europe, and Asia. This event is presented in celebration of the Golden Anniversary of the remarkable Lough Memorial Organ, acclaimed as Long Beach’s finest and most refined pipe organ and one of the most superbly equipped and beautifully sounding organs in the whole South Bay area. For more information about the concert, call (562) 437-0958, ext. 130.

Wisconsin-based guitarist/songwriter Willy Porter & singer/songwriter Carmen Nickerson perform at Music at the Point – Grace First Presbyterian Church on March 11, 8 p.m. The duo bring audiences songs from their new disc, Bonfire to Ash, produced by Grammy award winner Ben Wisch. Together these highly accomplished artists take audiences on a singular musical ride full of heart, grit, energy and fun that showcases the best of what live music has to offer. Ticket info: http://www.gracefirst.org/concert-series

The Long Beach Chorale and Chamber Orchestra (LBCCO) continues their 28th season with a program of works by two of the most celebrated composers in history. The concert features Franz Joseph Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto in D Minor for Two Violins, performed by full orchestra, 70-voice chorus, and violin soloists Luanne Homzy and Lisa Liu, and will take place on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26 at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 3955 N. Studebaker Rd. There will be a silent auction for a variety of gift baskets and audience members are invited to remain after the performance to enjoy refreshments at the LBCCO’s signature post-concert reception. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $15 for students with ID. Tickets can be purchased online at www.LongBeachChorale.org, or by calling (562) 427-1931.