As one of the largest, most highly regarded performing arts centers in the nation, The Music Center has long been at the forefront of innovative, critically acclaimed arts experiences. Its vision—to deepen the cultural life of every resident of Los Angeles County—inspires us to champion the diverse voices and communities of Los Angeles, fostering connection, creativity and enrichment. By offering compelling cultural and civic programs that are relevant to a wide range of audiences, The Music Center is both the home and the force behind some of today’s greatest creative expression.
The Music Center offers many ways Angelenos can engage in arts and cultural experiences across numerous genres and in many distinctive spaces. The 22-acre campus includes four theatres—Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall—and beautiful, welcoming outdoor spaces. Jerry Moss Plaza, a 35,000 square foot outdoor urban oasis, is the site for festivals, concerts, special events and other art-making experiences, while just west of the plaza lies the 12-acre Grand Park, which has become Downtown L.A.’s central gathering space. Powered by The Music Center, Grand Park is committed to enhance the wellbeing of all Angelenos and beyond, as both a platform for vibrant programming as well as the tranquil quiet of an urban oasis available year-round.
While The Music Center’s four resident companies—Center Theatre Group, LA Opera, LA Phil and the Los Angeles Master Chorale—offer world-class presentations on its stages with an emphasis on theatre, choral music, opera and classical music, The Music Center’s programming arm, TMC Arts, offers a range of programs for all ages, many of them free and low-cost. From highly popular annual events such as Grand Park’s Downtown Día de Los Muertos and Grand Park’s NYELA, to The Music Center’s Dance DTLA and Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, The Music Center’s programs are participatory, life-affirming and inclusive—arts created for, by and with Angelenos.
Recognizing that arts help transform lives and create greater understanding, The Music Center’s curriculum-based arts learning programs deliver the “A” in STEAM for more than 150,000 schoolchildren annually. As but one example, The Music Center’s Spotlight, a free nationally acclaimed performing arts competition, scholarship and artistic development program for high school students, offers expert advice, coaching, auditions and mastery classes taught by professional artists and arts administrators. This year, The Music Center will invest further in Los Angeles’ creative workforce, with a new program that will offer critically important life skills to those exploring behind-the-scenes careers in the arts.
With a goal to reach more Angelenos, The Music Center has expanded programming to neighborhoods around the county through partnerships with libraries, community centers and senior centers. As a community collaboration, the Arts Grown L.A. program offers free, family-friendly performances and artmaking experiences for everyone.
As a destination for a special evening or a neighborhood dinner, The Music Center offers several dining options including asterid, the newest restaurant concept from award-winning chef Ray Garcia; Kendall’s Brasserie; and Abernethy’s, with an emerging chef program spotlighting a new chef each quarter.
The Music Center recently launched a membership group called The Music Center’s Business Partners for The Arts. Designed to introduce more of the business community to The Music Center’s creative, community-focused approach, this program invites members to speak with The Music Center’s leadership, offers opportunities to network and entertain clients, and creates connections among a community of forward-looking innovators.
Visit musiccenter.org for more details about this program and to learn more about Los Angeles’ premier performing arts center.
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