Ravel and the Colors of Sound

On April 11, the LLS Orchestra returns to its second home, The Broad Stage in Santa Monica, for an evening where music meets visual art—a celebration of color, imagination, and orchestral splendor.

At the heart of the program are two luminous masterpieces by Maurice Ravel, a true “painter in sound”:

• Daphnis et Chloé — a sweeping, sensual sound-world, shimmering with impressionistic color, rhythmic vitality, and radiant orchestral glow.
• Le Tombeau de Couperin — Ravel’s neo-classical gem: elegant, transparent, and dance-inflected, a modern homage to the French musical past.

With over 80 musicians on stage, including a full percussion ensemble, expect extraordinary sonic depth and breathtaking textures—music that surrounds, lifts, and transports.

Adding to the magic of the night, the orchestra presents a surprise Tuba Concerto featuring our extraordinary Principal Tuba, Nathan Swift—a rare chance to hear the tuba take center stage with lyricism, virtuosity, and unexpected charm.

Arrive early for a special artistic prelude: we are honored to present an exhibition by our Painter in Residence, Sheele Maeda, whose work emerges from a complex and multifaceted journey of experience and realization. We’re thrilled to share her paintings with you before the concert, alongside pre-concert chamber music, as you enjoy snacks and drinks in the patio and linger with our community.

One of the few female conductors in California, Simona Grossi is recognized for her passionate and visionary leadership. With deep roots in both Italy and the U.S., she holds a conservatory diploma in piano performance from Italy and has honed her craft under the mentorship of renowned conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya. Grossi’s interpretations are praised for their clarity, intensity, and ability to forge a powerful connection with musicians and audiences alike.

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