PRESS RELEASES
| Celebrating Rachmaninoff 150, Firebrand Pianist Conrad Tao Explores Rachmaninoff’s Work and Influence on American Music
American pianist Conrad Tao is shaping the future of classical music through his rich and unique interpretations of the Classical Canon. For his debut appearance at The Soraya on Thu, Apr 6 at 8pm, Tao pairs American works that inspired or were inspired by Rachmaninoff—from Billy Strayhorn, Art Tatum, Irving Berlin, to Stephen Sondheim.
| The Soraya Presents the World Premiere of “Invocations” Composed and Performed by Serj Tankian With CSUN Symphony Orchestra and Special Guests
With a vocal range over four octaves, CSUN alumnus Serj Tankian is considered one of the greatest vocalists in Rock Metal history and best known for fronting the popular band System Of A Down. The songwriter, poet, painter, producer, and political activist returns to The Soraya on Sat, Apr 29 at 8pm to perform vocals on his new suite of compositions, “Invocations”— music that calls on spirits to co-inspire or inter-inspire.
| Jazz at Naz Continues in March with Sax Legend Charles Lloyd’s 85th Birthday Celebration and Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra featuring Samara Joy—GRAMMY Award Winner Best New Artist 2023 and Best Jazz Vocal Album
The Soraya’s monthlong Jazz at Naz Festival rolls into March this year with two masters of the musical genre—the elder statesman sax legend Charles Lloyd celebrates his 85th birthday on March 18 with an all-star lineup, and the 2023 GRAMMY Award winning Best New Artist Samara Joy makes her debut at The Soraya with Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra on March 26. Both concerts will be Live Streamed from The Soraya’s Great Hall for just $19 each.
| The Soraya Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Yamato—The Drummers of Japan
Yamato, the Drummers of Japan, returns to The Soraya with a thrilling, high-energy, and explosive interpretation of the centuries old Taiko tradition. Hinotori: The Wings of Phoenix, is a new production created to celebrate the company’s historic 30th Anniversary.
| Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra featuring Samara Joy—GRAMMY Award Winner Best New Artist 2023 and Best Jazz Vocal Album Rescheduled to Sun, Mar 26 at 7pm
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra featuring Samara Joy scheduled for Saturday, February 11, has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 7pm.
| SOLD OUT — Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra featuring Samara Joy—GRAMMY Award Winner Best New Artist 2023 and Best Jazz Vocal Album
In her first appearance after her double wins at this past Sunday’s GRAMMY Awards, rising Jazz phenom Samara Joy’s concert with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra has sold out at The Soraya. Jazz fans eager to experience Ms. Joy’s stunning vocals can still attend the concert, however, via the Jazz at Naz Festival livestream for just $19!
| Filharmonie Brno Performs an All-Czech Program— Dvořák, Janáček, and Martinů with Dennis Russell Davies, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director
The pastoral landscape and folklore of Eastern Europe and America are brought to life through the music of three of the greatest Czech composers – Dvořák, Janáček, and Martinů – performed by the Czech Republic’s own Filharmonie Brno under the baton of Chief Conductor and Artistic Director Dennis Russell Davies.
| Visionary Choreographer Kyle Abraham and A.I.M. Join Forces with Electronic Music Composer Jlin for a Los Angeles Premiere
Mozart’s unfinished Requiem is the jumping off point for MacArthur Genius Kyle Abraham and pioneering producer, composer, and EDM artist Jlin’s latest collaboration, Requiem: Fire in the Air of the Earth. Combining traditions and innovations in both dance and music, they explore folklore, death, and reincarnation in a powerful piece that demands the dancers have command of techniques ranging from ballet to street dance.
| The Soraya’s Classical Programming for 2023
The New Year will usher in a new season of classical music performances to the stage of The Younes and Soraya Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts (The Soraya) on the campus of Cal State Northridge. The Soraya puts the spotlight on West Coast and world premieres, star soloists, world renowned orchestras, and intimate chamber music that will reverberate within the walls of The Soraya’s pristine acoustics.