At the end of the concert, the audience rose to applaud Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) lead violinist Margaret Batjer at Glendale’s Alex Theatre in October, where LACO musicians delivered captivating performances of works by Haydn, Mahler and Brahms.
But at the time they arrived, probably only a few audience members were aware how a smaller orchestra dynamically changed how those classical works sounded.
Batjer is the Concertmaster who has helped lead LACO performers through a period of artistic growth and innovation since 1998. Known for its versatility, LACO has carved out a unique space in the classical music world, offering concerts that are both intimate and adventurous.
As Batjer explains, LACO’s relatively small size allows them to perform a wide variety of music without the limitations of larger orchestras. They can scale up or down depending on the piece, making it easier to adapt to different compositions and move between genres and styles with ease. With fewer musicians, the ensemble can work more closely together, leading to greater cohesion and tighter communication during performances.
“We’re small enough that we have that advantage,” Batjer says. “What distinguishes our orchestra from others is our ability to be like a chameleon,” she explains, referring to LACO musicians’ ability to adapt to a variety of compositions.
Jaime Martín, who just completed his fifth year as Conductor and Musical Director of LACO, prefaced the Brahms Symphony No. 2 piece with a disclaimer, noting that “huge orchestras typically play the piece.”
At just 52 players, Martín says he decided to put the LACO orchestra through its paces with Brahms because with a smaller ensemble, “an audience is able to hear the windpipes” without having to be “shouted at by eight upright basses.”
“It’s been really interesting hearing the Brahms’ Symphony in such a different, less bombastic and pure way,” Batjer says. This unique interpretation gives local audiences the chance to experience Brahms in a more refined, intimate setting, highlighting the intricate details of the composer’s work.
Classical music audiences have been treated to world-class performances led by Batjer throughout her tenure, where she has played carefully curated chamber and Baroque music throughout Southern California. In addition to the Alex Theatre, LACO also performs at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills and The Huntington Library in San Marino. LACO is also looking forward to the completion of Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall at the Colburn School in Downtown Los Angeles, which will provide the orchestra with a long-awaited “home venue,” Batjer says.
“They broke ground, and they’re building as we speak.” The new hall, designed specifically for a chamber orchestra with around 1,000 seats, promises to offer ideal acoustics and a relatively intimate setting for LACO’s performances.
The 2024-2025 season promises “a little bit of something for everybody,” Batjer says. “Most people enjoy going to a concert and hearing variety in their programming. So whether audience members are drawn to Baroque music, contemporary pieces, or romantic symphonies, there’s always something to capture their interest.”
Along with her dynamic concerts that enrapture audiences like a beautiful dream, expertly navigating from delicate, heartfelt melodies to bombastic, thrilling runs, Batjer is keen on supporting women in classical music.
“In the violin section, we have only three men out of 15 players, so we’re a very women-heavy section,” Batjer explains. She notes that women composers Fanny Mendelssohn and Clara Schumann, who were historically overlooked, are now being given the recognition they deserve.
“They were ignored for many decades, but that’s not the case anymore,” Batjer says, adding that LACO’s programming includes works by these influential women. As an advocate for both historical and contemporary women composers, Batjer is committed to highlighting their contributions and ensuring their music is part of LACO’s diverse offerings, delivering both variety and artistic excellence.
It is Batjer’s commitment to supporting fellow musicians and her virtuosity that has brought out the best in LACO performances. When asked about working with Batjer, LACO violinist Misha Vayman replied with a smile, “I mean, she’s literally the best.”
Vayman described Batjer as a supportive concertmaster in and outside the concert halls and felt she is always “giving it everything” she has.
With a dynamic season ahead and a continued commitment to innovation and inclusivity, Margaret Batjer and LACO are on an ever-changing path to captivate new audiences with their eclectic and versatile performances.
DEETS
- Upcoming LACO performances at local venues (live performances through May, 2025)
- Web site: www.laco.org
- Information: [email protected]
- Tickets: [email protected]
