New LACMA building preview event stars Kamasi Washington with 100 musicians

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In late June, the David Geffen Galleries at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will transform into a resonant performance space. Grammy-nominated composer and jazz maestro Kamasi Washington, accompanied by over 100 musicians, will take the stage for a series of concerts within the recently constructed Peter Zumthor-designed building.

110,000 square feet of gallery space will host scattered artists, transforming the building into an essential element for the overall auditory experience, as stated by the museum. In the upcoming event, Washington plans to play his six-movement suite, “Harmony of Difference,” which was warmly received upon its 2017 release and is a critically acclaimed concept album. A variety of L.A.-based musicians who have collaborated with Washington over the years will also be performing.

The upcoming shows—on June 26th, 27th, and 28th—will represent the debut of the entire suite being performed before a live audience. Each note is crafted to create a unique piece of art that cannot be recreated identically.

In his announcement, Washington stated that the Geffen Galleries boast a remarkably distinctive acoustic setup, ideally suited for ‘Harmony of Differences.’ As visitors stroll through these galleries, they will be able to discern the music played by the musicians who are nearest to them, while also sensing the essence or spirit of the other performing groups.

The initial showings of Washington mark the start of a series of upcoming events, culminating in the official unveiling of the building in April 2026.

3 sales dates have been set for the show tickets:

– On May 2nd, starting at 10 a.m., you can purchase tickets for the first performance.
– On May 22nd, also starting at 10 a.m., you’ll be able to buy tickets for the second performance.
– Lastly, on June 12th at 10 a.m., tickets will go on sale for the final performance.

The ticket prices range from $48 to $100.

Between June 29 and July 6, LACMA members will have the opportunity for an exclusive pre-installation tour of the building before the artwork goes up.

2020 marked the start of construction for the David Geffen Galleries. As of late last year, about 90% of the construction had been finished. This massive poured concrete structure, measuring an impressive 900 feet in length, now stretches across Wilshire Boulevard. The museum recently announced several new art commissions and provided a comprehensive plan for its restaurants, theater, and amenities.

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2025-04-29 16:31