From Phantom to Beethoven: La Mirada Symphony Reveals New Season
LCCN Staff Report
The La Mirada Symphony has unveiled an ambitious and diverse lineup for its 2026-2027 concert season, offering audiences four free performances that span silent film, chamber music, Spanish-inspired orchestral works and one of classical music’s most celebrated masterpieces. The complete season will once again be presented at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, continuing the Symphony’s long tradition of providing free, high-quality live music to the community.
The season opens Thursday, Oct. 22, with a unique presentation of The Phantom of the Opera, the legendary 1925 silent film starring Lon Chaney. Rather than simply screening the classic movie, the La Mirada Symphony will perform a newly compiled orchestral score live as the film plays on the big screen, recreating the experience audiences enjoyed during the silent film era. The combination of classic cinema and live orchestral accompaniment promises to make for one of the most distinctive performances of the season.
Following the opening concert, the Symphony shifts to a more intimate setting on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2027, with An Afternoon of Chamber Music. The performance will feature Symphony musicians stepping out of the full orchestra to perform in smaller ensembles, giving audiences an opportunity to hear the precision, artistry and interaction that define chamber music.
Spring brings a change of pace with Sketches of Spain on Sunday, March 14, 2027. Acclaimed guitarist Marcus Gerakos will join the Symphony for a program celebrating the passion, romance and vibrant rhythms of Spanish music.
The season concludes Sunday, May 16, 2027, with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and its famous Ode to Joy. Orchestra and chorus will unite for a powerful finale celebrating hope, unity and the enduring power of music.
All four performances will take place at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Admission is free, no tickets or reservations are required, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For decades, the La Mirada Symphony has served as one of Southeast Los Angeles County’s premier cultural organizations, bringing professional-quality orchestral performances to local audiences while removing financial barriers through its free concert series. This year’s season offers something for everyone, from classic film and chamber music to Spanish-inspired repertoire and one of the greatest symphonic works ever written. Residents are encouraged to arrive early, as the Symphony’s free concerts have long attracted enthusiastic audiences from throughout the region.