Events & Concerts

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Music @ The Wallis is generously made possible by Terri and Jerry Kohl Making their Wallis debut, GRAMMY-award winning vocal choir Tonality combines melodic harmonies to present concerts on themes of social justice in hopes to catalyze empathy and community activism. Put Your Guns Down discusses issues related to gun violence in the United States. Some of the selections will discuss mass shootings, police brutality, the effects on victims, school shootings, and suicide prevention. The concert also focuses on an active sense of peace as we come together to find solutions toward the epidemic of gun violence in this country. This evening’s performance will feature the world premiere of Alexander Lloyd Blake’s Running From, Running To: A Musical Reflection on Ahmaud Arbery.

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Music @ The Wallis is generously made possible by Terri and Jerry Kohl At War With Ourselves – 400 Years of You features a text by National Book Award-winning poet Nikky Finney inspired by her 2013 poem “The Battle of and for the Black Face Boy.” The music was composed by Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Abels, composer for the Jordan Peele films Us and Get Out. This powerful new work for string quartet, narrator, and chorus explores race relations, social justice, and civil rights in 21st century America. KRONOS QUARTET TONALITY MUSIC BY Michael Abels TEXT & NARRATION BY Nikky Finney CONDUCTED BY Alexander Lloyd Blake

Monday, January 20, 2025

America Will Be is a renewed vision for an inclusive America. The repertoire conjures a patriotic future for the United States for all of us. The program employs a "choral spectrum" - traditional choral sounds with contemporary styles reflecting the diversity of voices and the inspiring storytelling that Tonality skillfully weaves. As an ideal America embraces the full diversity of humanity, America Will Be asks questions about the justice system, immigration, climate change, Black Lives Matter, mental health, and LGBTQ+ equity while honoring the promise of a great America.

Saturday, January 18, 2025

America Will Be is a renewed vision for an inclusive America. The repertoire conjures a patriotic future for the United States for all of us. The program employs a "choral spectrum" - traditional choral sounds with contemporary styles reflecting the diversity of voices and the inspiring storytelling that Tonality skillfully weaves. As an ideal America embraces the full diversity of humanity, America Will Be asks questions about the justice system, immigration, climate change, Black Lives Matter, mental health, and LGBTQ+ equity while honoring the promise of a great America.

Saturday, November 16, 2024

HomeCare focuses on the climate crisis, including the words of young leaders who have spoken about the urgency of action toward conserving what resources are available on this planet. We've designed this concert to educate us on aspects of climate change that go beyond our emotional response. We hope that you will leave this space aware of our limited resources and how we must work to protect them for generations to come.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

"You Are Not Alone" – a concert by Tonality that dares to shatter the silence surrounding mental illness and challenge society's labels on those who battle with unseen struggles. Through the mesmerizing compositions of Gesualdo, the soulful melodies of Jessie J, the evocative notes of Dale Trumbore, the soul-stirring sounds of Alexander Lloyd Blake, Natalie Dietterich, and more, we dive headfirst into the realms of poets and artists whose music illuminates the path of mental illness. This concert isn't just about the music; it's a call to unite, challenge stigmas, and extend our hands to our fellow community members who deserve nothing less than understanding, validation, and love. Join us on this transformative evening as we unravel the stories that deserve to be heard, the stories that will inspire us to create a more compassionate and empathetic world.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Good and evil battle it out in an American retelling of the classic story. Randy Newman’s only musical features the songwriter’s unmatched wit and some of his greatest songs. Thirty years since Newman’s album debuted, the rock, Gospel, pop, and Broadway-inspired tunes are as timely and catchy as ever. Following in the footsteps of James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Elton John, and Bonnie Raitt, this Soraya-produced original concert will feature an all-star cast of fresh talent led by two Broadway phenoms – Reeve Carney (Showtime’s Penny Dreadful and Hadestown) as the Devil and Javier Muñoz (In the Heights and Hamilton) as The Lord.

Saturday, September 28, 2024

Good and evil battle it out in an American retelling of the classic story. Randy Newman’s only musical features the songwriter’s unmatched wit and some of his greatest songs. Thirty years since Newman’s album debuted, the rock, Gospel, pop, and Broadway-inspired tunes are as timely and catchy as ever. Following in the footsteps of James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Elton John, and Bonnie Raitt, this Soraya-produced original concert will feature an all-star cast of fresh talent led by two Broadway phenoms – Reeve Carney (Showtime’s Penny Dreadful and Hadestown) as the Devil and Javier Muñoz (In the Heights and Hamilton) as The Lord.

Friday, September 13, 2024

America Will Be is a renewed vision for an inclusive America. The repertoire conjures a patriotic future for the United States for all of us. The program employs a "choral spectrum" - traditional choral sounds with contemporary styles reflecting the diversity of voices and the inspiring storytelling that Tonality skillfully weaves. As an ideal America embraces the full diversity of humanity, America Will Be asks questions about the justice system, immigration, climate change, Black Lives Matter, mental health, and LGBTQ+ equity while honoring the promise of a great America.

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

America Will Be is a renewed vision for an inclusive America. The repertoire conjures a patriotic future for the United States for all of us. The program employs a "choral spectrum" - traditional choral sounds with contemporary styles reflecting the diversity of voices and the inspiring storytelling that Tonality skillfully weaves. As an ideal America embraces the full diversity of humanity, America Will Be asks questions about the justice system, immigration, climate change, Black Lives Matter, mental health, and LGBTQ+ equity while honoring the promise of a great America.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

"You Are Not Alone" – a concert by Tonality that dares to shatter the silence surrounding mental illness and challenge society's labels on those who battle with unseen struggles. Through the mesmerizing compositions of Gesualdo, the soulful melodies of Jessie J, the evocative notes of Dale Trumbore, the soul-stirring sounds of Alexander Lloyd Blake, Natalie Dietterich, and more, we dive headfirst into the realms of poets and artists whose music illuminates the path of mental illness. This concert isn't just about the music; it's a call to unite, challenge stigmas, and extend our hands to our fellow community members who deserve nothing less than understanding, validation, and love. Join us on this transformative evening as we unravel the stories that deserve to be heard, the stories that will inspire us to create a more compassionate and empathetic world.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

"You Are Not Alone" – a concert by Tonality that dares to shatter the silence surrounding mental illness and challenge society's labels on those who battle with unseen struggles. Through the mesmerizing compositions of Gesualdo, the soulful melodies of Jessie J, the evocative notes of Dale Trumbore, the soul-stirring sounds of Alexander Lloyd Blake, Natalie Dietterich, and more, we dive headfirst into the realms of poets and artists whose music illuminates the path of mental illness. This concert isn't just about the music; it's a call to unite, challenge stigmas, and extend our hands to our fellow community members who deserve nothing less than understanding, validation, and love. Join us on this transformative evening as we unravel the stories that deserve to be heard, the stories that will inspire us to create a more compassionate and empathetic world.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

"You Are Not Alone" – a concert by Tonality that dares to shatter the silence surrounding mental illness and challenge society's labels on those who battle with unseen struggles. Through the mesmerizing compositions of Gesualdo, the soulful melodies of Jessie J, the evocative notes of Dale Trumbore, the soul-stirring sounds of Alexander Lloyd Blake, Natalie Dietterich, and more, we dive headfirst into the realms of poets and artists whose music illuminates the path of mental illness. This concert isn't just about the music; it's a call to unite, challenge stigmas, and extend our hands to our fellow community members who deserve nothing less than understanding, validation, and love. Join us on this transformative evening as we unravel the stories that deserve to be heard, the stories that will inspire us to create a more compassionate and empathetic world.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

"You Are Not Alone" – a concert by Tonality that dares to shatter the silence surrounding mental illness and challenge society's labels on those who battle with unseen struggles. Through the mesmerizing compositions of Gesualdo, the soulful melodies of Jessie J, the evocative notes of Dale Trumbore, the soul-stirring sounds of Alexander Lloyd Blake, Natalie Dietterich, and more, we dive headfirst into the realms of poets and artists whose music illuminates the path of mental illness. This concert isn't just about the music; it's a call to unite, challenge stigmas, and extend our hands to our fellow community members who deserve nothing less than understanding, validation, and love. Join us on this transformative evening as we unravel the stories that deserve to be heard, the stories that will inspire us to create a more compassionate and empathetic world.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

In a world where our classrooms shape the future, "Lessons Adjusted" dares to confront the issues that resonate within our school systems. Through the compositions and storytelling, this concert will address topics like the Don't Say Gay Bill, Critical Race Theory, school shootings, and affirmative action – sparking discussions that demand our attention and reflection. But that's not all – "Lessons Adjusted" will be an evening of collaborations and storytelling, with the voices of local high school students taking center stage. Their experiences, stories, and hopes are woven into a symphony of authenticity and empowerment. Through partnerships with organizations dedicated to education, we're setting the stage for a profound exploration of how each one of us can contribute to creating educational environments that nurture empathy, unity, and a more compassionate future. Join us for a concert that isn't afraid to ask the tough questions, isn't afraid to confront the challenges, and isn't afraid to dream of a world where education is a cornerstone of progress.

Sunday, December 3, 2023

"Just Me" – a concert that goes beyond the melodies and harmonies to stand up against injustice and shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by our transgender and non-binary siblings in the community. Through heartfelt performances and thought-provoking compositions, we'll unravel the stories of transgender and non-binary individuals, shedding light on their journeys and experiences in the face of adversity. This concert isn't just about music; it's about creating a safe haven where we can all gather to learn, empathize, and ultimately take action.

Friday, December 1, 2023

"Just Me" – a concert that goes beyond the melodies and harmonies to stand up against injustice and shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by our transgender and non-binary siblings in the community. Through heartfelt performances and thought-provoking compositions, we'll unravel the stories of transgender and non-binary individuals, shedding light on their journeys and experiences in the face of adversity. This concert isn't just about music; it's about creating a safe haven where we can all gather to learn, empathize, and ultimately take action.

Thursday, November 9, 2023

A composer showcase of this year's original music for film!

Sunday, October 8, 2023

"Just Life" – a concert that transcends the realms of music to champion justice and illuminate the paths of those who've long been unheard. As we delve into the core of the justice system's intricate tapestry through hauntingly beautiful compositions, we lay bare the tales of resilience, survival, and the unbreakable spirit of those who have borne the weight of America's criminal justice practices. Compositions include music from Joel Thompson, Alexander Lloyd Blake, Roman Gianarthur, Frances Pollock, Stephen Trask, Dale Trumbore, and more. The stories – powerful, poignant, and profoundly human – transcend mere labels and actions to demonstrate the indomitable strength of community and the capacity to soar beyond the constraints of the past. So join us for an evening that promises more than music; it promises a transformation, an awakening, a call to action.

Sunday, March 12, 2023

Our third concert of the season will focus on the climate crisis, including the use of words from young leaders who have spoken about the urgency of action toward conserving what resources are available on this planet.

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

A new series of concerts and dialogue entitled Music and Justice will debut with a momentous concert on Feb. 26, 2023, at UCLA's iconic Royce Hall. The first part of the concert program features works by six contemporary composers addressing social justice, including world premieres by Diane White-Clayton and multi-Grammy winner Arturo O'Farrill. Part two of the program features a rare performance of the landmark 1969 cantata The Gates of Justice by legendary jazz composer and musician Dave Brubeck. A fighter for civil rights, Brubeck—who was neither Jewish nor Black—wrote The Gates of Justice in 1969 an effort to unify Blacks and Jews after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Based on Hebrew liturgical texts, African American spirituals, and Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches, the work is scored for jazz trio, brass ensemble, chorus, tenor, and baritone, with the tenor role written in the Cantorial style of the Jewish temple, and the baritone in the Spiritual style of the African-American church. In a historic first, Brubeck's sons Darius, Chris, and Dan perform the jazz trio in their father's work, joined by a choir of Black and Jewish singers from Los Angeles-area churches and synagogues alongside UCLA students and the award-winning chorus Tonality, led by Alexander Lloyd Blake. Soloists are acclaimed baritone Phillip Bullock and Azi Schwartz, famed cantor of New York's Park Avenue Synagogue.

Sunday, February 26, 2023

A new series of concerts and dialogue entitled Music and Justice will debut with a momentous concert on Feb. 26, 2023, at UCLA's iconic Royce Hall. The first part of the concert program features works by six contemporary composers addressing social justice, including world premieres by Diane White-Clayton and multi-Grammy winner Arturo O'Farrill. Part two of the program features a rare performance of the landmark 1969 cantata The Gates of Justice by legendary jazz composer and musician Dave Brubeck. A fighter for civil rights, Brubeck—who was neither Jewish nor Black—wrote The Gates of Justice in 1969 an effort to unify Blacks and Jews after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Based on Hebrew liturgical texts, African American spirituals, and Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches, the work is scored for jazz trio, brass ensemble, chorus, tenor, and baritone, with the tenor role written in the Cantorial style of the Jewish temple, and the baritone in the Spiritual style of the African-American church. In a historic first, Brubeck's sons Darius, Chris, and Dan perform the jazz trio in their father's work, joined by a choir of Black and Jewish singers from Los Angeles-area churches and synagogues alongside UCLA students and the award-winning chorus Tonality, led by Alexander Lloyd Blake. Soloists are acclaimed baritone Phillip Bullock and Azi Schwartz, famed cantor of New York's Park Avenue Synagogue.

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Tonality is collaborating with Michael Abels, Kronos Quartet and the Phoenix Chorale to bring you "At War with Ourselves – 400 Years of You" in Iowa City, IA.

Thursday, February 2, 2023

A Concert with Christian McBride featuring Tonality!

Saturday, January 21, 2023

Tonality is collaborating with Michael Abels, Kronos Quartet and the Phoenix Chorale to bring you "At War with Ourselves – 400 Years of You" in Richmond, Virginia.

Sunday, December 4, 2022

This concert will take a broad look at healthcare and its inequalities. From the treatment of healthcare workers and the need for care for our LGBTQ community to the conversation around reproductive health, these selections will focus on the rights as human beings to receive medical assistance in a more justified process.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

A night reveling in the works of award-winning Israeli-American composer Inon Zur that transports us to other-worldly places. The LA Jewish Symphony travels through Inon Zur’s video game scores, including the World Premiere performance of the Suite from Syberia: The World Before, featuring Grammy and Emmy award-winning pianist Emily Bear. It tells the story of a young pianist in 1937, whose music offers hope amid the growing threat of fascism in Europe. Zur will join as a special guest to perform the Fallout Medley Suite on piano. This one-of-a-kind program will also feature performances of music from the video game series’ Dragon Age, The Elder Scrolls: Blades, and the highly anticipated Starfield.

Sunday, September 18, 2022

This concert discusses issues related to gun violence in the United States. Some of the selections will discuss, mass shootings, police brutality, the effects on victims, school shootings, and suicide prevention. The concert also focuses on an active sense of peace as we come together to find solutions toward the epidemic of gun violence in this country.

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Tonality sings of the labels placed on those with mental illness. These fellow community members, treated as "different" reflect on our shame and feelings of misunderstanding.

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Passion: Music of Harrison & Bach

Saturday, April 16, 2022

Tonality is collaborating with Michael Abels, Kronos Quartet and the Phoenix Chorale to bring you "At War with Ourselves – 400 Years of You"

Friday, April 8, 2022

Tonality is featured in Los Angeles Philharmonic's Noon to Midnight Festival!

Friday, March 11, 2022

This concert will present issues of how the justice system and its history affects marginalized communities, including the school to prison pipeline.

Friday, December 10, 2021

In this concert, Tonality uses our collective voices to speak to stories of the displaced, focusing on immigration, refugees, or the rampant experiences of homelessness.

Friday, October 8, 2021

America Will Be attempts another sense of patriotism; one where a true awareness of how self-evaluation and refinement can bring about the country in which we all can be proud to live.