The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO), a smaller ensemble with 42 players, is set to inaugurate its new home, the Frank Gehry-designed Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall, next year. To mark this occasion, the orchestra has commissioned fanfares from renowned film composers like John Williams and Ludwig Göransson, curated by Seth MacFarlane. LACO’s Executive Director, Ben Cadwallader, emphasized the importance of connecting to the orchestra’s roots in Hollywood and the performing arts.
Seth MacFarlane, who has a deep appreciation for movie music and a background in live performance, was a natural choice for this role. He enjoys the richness that a live orchestra brings to film and television, insisting it enhances the emotional impact and overall experience.
LACO was founded in 1968 by musicians and civic leaders, serving as a platform for talented studio players to perform classical music at a high level. The new fanfares will showcase the orchestra’s ongoing relationship with film music, reflecting its heritage and the musicians’ diverse talents.
The fanfares, lasting five to seven minutes each, will be performed at select LACO concerts and will include pieces from several acclaimed composers, starting with John Williams’ piece in fall 2027. The concept of a fanfare is described as a vibrant and attention-grabbing introduction, akin to the opening of “Star Wars,” designed to energize and enliven the audience.
