Topic: Los Angeles Philharmonic Association

Los Angeles opera company is filling a need for experimentation

The new production by Los Angeles company The Industry, 'Crescent City,' is a promising glimpse into what musical innovation can accomplish.

Top Picks: A tribute to Bob Marley, a Tchaikovsky concert, Aaron Neville's new album, and more

A 'Playing for Change' mashup of Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song,' a live broadcast of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Tchaikovsky concert, Aaron Neville's latest gospel album, and more recommendations.

El Sistema taps the power of classical music to help US children flourish

A Venezuelan poverty program brings its musical discipline to underprivileged youths in the United States.

Holiday gift guide 2010: Top 5 music picks

Music is appreciated throughout the year and makes a great holiday gift for family and friends. Here are some suggestions – ranging from Ken Burns' 'Baseball' soundtrack to Dave Brubeck – recommended by the Monitor staff. Click on the link at the end of each item to purchase on amazon.com, and a small percentage will go to support the Monitor.

Top picks: Robert Plant, Cuba's unique flora and fauna, Patrick Dougherty's sculptures, and more

Robert Plant's new album 'Band of Joy,' PBS documentary on 'Cuba: an Accidental Eden,' sculptor Patrick Dougherty's new book 'Stickwork,' and more recommendations.

Latin music: Salsa, merengue, and samba rhythms come to the concert hall

Latin music influences – including salsa, merengue, and samba – are seeping into the concert hall as directors seek to broaden the appeal.

Dudamel unleashes Verdi's Requiem

Conducting the LA Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel demonstrated his command and also his respect for silence when he restarted the piece after a cellphone ring jarred the opening bars.

Gustavo Dudamel: His debut is complete

Six Picks: Recommendations from the Monitor staff

Monty Python at 40, Mark Knopfler's 'Get Lucky' CD, Ally McBeal on DVD, and more.

Conducting with electricity

Venezuelan maestro Gustavo Dudamel brings new energy to classical music.

Review: 'The Soloist'

Based on the true story of a journalist who befriends a schizophrenic homeless man with a prodigious musical talent, movie doesn't resonate as deeply as it should.

The trash of life is Elias Sime's art

Ethiopian artist draws deeply on his local culture and love of community to tell stories with found objects.

Los Angeles finds its heart

Downtown L.A.'s cultural corridor struggles to define its profile and its audience.

Players gather in the Santa Cruz Mountains to make music from saws

Devotees of the old art form – including everyone from college professors to vaudeville performers – produce a symphony of sounds that are at once Halloween eerie and songbird sweet.

Etc.