Orchestra Nova LA in the community
At Orchestra Nova LA, we believe music has the power to bring people together, tell meaningful stories, and strengthen the communities we call home. Through creative collaborations with local organizations, artists, and cultural institutions, we bring orchestral music beyond the concert hall and into new spaces, reaching audiences in unexpected ways.
Bringing History to Life:
Remember the Rancho (9.19.26)
In celebration of the Dominguez Rancho Adobe Museum’s bicentennial, Orchestra Nova LA partnered with the historic institution to present Remember the Rancho, a theatrical production combining live orchestral music, acting, and choreographed dance.
The performance featured a beautiful original composition by Karim Elmahmoudi, a former member of our orchestra. Working alongside ONLA Music Director Ivan Shulman, Karim spent countless hours refining the composition and collaborating with the actors to bring the script and music together into a cohesive, impactful production. We were honored to contribute to this milestone celebration and help bring the stories of Southern California’s history to life through music and theater.
Music Meets Comedy:
Josh Johnson’s Symphony (3.20.26)
Orchestra Nova LA was honored to serve as the featured orchestra in comedian Josh Johnson’s HBO special, Symphony, now streaming on HBO Max. In collaboration with Josh and his production team, we helped bring orchestral music into an unexpected setting, demonstrating how music can deepen storytelling, connect audiences, and complement new forms of live entertainment.
The project also brought us together with acclaimed composer, bassist, and producer Derrick Hodge, whose work spans jazz, hip-hop, film, television, and orchestral music. From recording sessions at the historic Wiltern Theatre to back-to-back live performances, the experience exemplified our commitment to exploring new creative possibilities and sharing orchestral music with audiences beyond the traditional concert hall.
Rethinking the Concert Experience: Symphony on Shuffle (2.21.26)
What happens when a live orchestra meets the energy of a classical music DJ? Our answer is Symphony on Shuffle, an innovative concert format featuring Rich Capparela, Los Angeles’ renowned classical music DJ and former KUSC host.
Blending iconic orchestral works, engaging storytelling, humor, and unexpected surprises, Symphony on Shuffle invites audiences to experience classical music in a fresh, approachable way. The inaugural concert became one of the highest-attended performances in ONLA history, reinforcing our belief that there are countless ways to connect people with orchestral music. The series continues with a special date-night edition at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica.