NEXUS, the Toronto-based percussion group now in its 33rd season of solo and symphony appearances, was the featured guest with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra on the orchestra’s classical subscription series from December 5 through 7, 2003. The concerts, conducted by Yasuo Shinozaki, featured performances of “From me flows what you call Time” by Toru Takemitsu, a work that has become a signature piece in the NEXUS repertoire. The work was composed for NEXUS, Seiji Ozawa, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1990 and has since been performed by the group throughout North America, Europe, Scandinavia, and Asia, and recorded on the SONY Classical label (CD #SK63044), with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra conducted by Carl St. Clair. Also on the program after the intermission was Tchaikovsky’s “Pathetique” Symphony.

The three performances in the new Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by Frank Gehry, were well received by enthusiastic listeners who responded with numerous curtain calls for NEXUS.

Writing for the Los Angeles Times (Monday, December 8, 2003) Richard H. Ginell said:

“ The five members of NEXUS entered the hall as if in a ritual . . . as they slowly walked toward the stage. As at the Carnegie Hall premiere, five colored ribbons representing earth, water, fire, wind and sky were connected to two sets of wind chimes hung from opposite terraces, creating a shimmering stereo effect . . . Takemitsu’s composing was revealed in detail, strings slithering with amazing clarity, each exotic percussion instrument having its own precise profile.”

Other related NEXUS events during the week included:

* pre-concert talks given by the members of NEXUS in which subscribers were given a guided tour into the music;

* masterclasses by members of NEXUS given for college students at the University of Southern California at Los Angeles, San Diego State University, California Institute of the Arts, the University of California at San Diego, and California State University at Long Beach.