(Photo Credit: Ebru Yildiz)

The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra has announced Lara Downes as its first-ever Creative Partner.

Downes is a Pianist, producer / curator, and media personality who was honored as Classical Woman of the Year by NPR’s Performance Today. She has performed alongside the orchestras of Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Dallas, Louisville, Indianapolis, and others, as well as given recitals and residencies at Lincoln Center, Disney Hall, Ravinia, Tanglewood, the Gilmore Festival, Carolina Performing Arts, Washington Performing Arts, Caramoor, and Saratoga Performing Arts Center, among others.

“I’m so delighted and excited to join LACO as the Orchestra’s Creative Partner, a unique role that harnesses all my interests and energies across a broad landscape of performance, curation, community engagement, education, and advocacy,” Downes said in an official press release. “LACO’s visionary programming travels the long road of our art form – wide-open territory for my own artistic explorations of the musical crossroads where past meets present, where traditions merge, journeys converge, and new ideas take root. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and work with Jaime Martín and LACO’s brilliant musicians, staff, and friends as we continue together to create innovative, intimate, and inspiring musical experiences that welcome the communities of Los Angeles and the world beyond.”

In her new three-year appointed role, effective July 1, 2024, Downes will be involved with every aspect of the organization including artistic planning, performance, community engagement, advocacy, and education platforms. She will also serve in a creative advisory capacity to Music Director Jaime Martín, as well as perform on and/or curate selected programs, while helping identify and mentor LACO’s Sound Investment composer each year. She will also participate in the advancement of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Fellowship, among other responsibilities.