A Night of Unexpected Beauty: My First Camerata Pacifica Performance

I’ve officially entered my 30s, and with that milestone has come a deeper desire to spend my time with intention—saying yes to new experiences, stepping outside my comfort zone, and curating a life filled with meaningful memories. So when I was graciously invited to attend the season finale of Camerata Pacifica, I knew it was the kind of “yes” I want more of in this new chapter.

The performance took place on the evening of Thursday, May 22, at Zipper Hall at the Colburn School in Downtown LA—an intimate, elegant venue that made the entire evening feel extra special. Typically, my husband and I would have been at the AMC catching the latest movie release, but this time? This time, we swapped popcorn and previews for something totally new: an evening of live chamber music.

And let me tell you—we were absolutely blown away.

Camerata Pacifica’s season finale featured 13 incredible musicians and a powerful program filled with unexpected emotion, humor, and pure virtuosity. The evening was divided into three distinct pieces: William Bolcom’s witty and dynamic Orphée-Sérénade, Chopin’s technically brilliant Andante spianato et Grande polonaise brillante, and the moving, dreamlike Dreammusik by Lera Auerbach, which was written specifically for this ensemble.

Before the music began, the founder of Camerata Pacifica came on stage to introduce the program. As someone who doesn’t come from a musical background (my husband has the clarinet cred in our relationship), I found it so helpful to hear him break down the context and story behind each piece. It made the experience feel more approachable, more human, and a lot more immersive.

Phones weren’t allowed during the show, which at first made me a little bummed (you know I love a good content moment!), but it turned out to be a gift. My husband and I were completely present, soaking in every note, every flourish, every shared glance when we were both thinking, “Wow, did you hear that?!”

Each musician brought their full heart to the performance, but the finale was something truly special. Principal Cello Ani Aznavoorian—who had absolutely no sheet music in front of her—performed a complex, extended piece entirely from memory. She was mesmerizing. Graceful, confident, and completely captivating. My jaw was literally on the floor.

It was our first time seeing Camerata Pacifica, but it won’t be our last. This was the final concert of their 2024–25 season, but I already have their next season bookmarked, and we’ll be back for sure. Whether you’re planning a thoughtful date night, attending with family, or even flying solo to feed your spirit, I can’t recommend this experience enough.

So here's to saying yes. To intentional moments. And to letting beautiful music find its way into the soundtrack of our lives.

*All performance photos courtesy of Camerata Pacifica.