The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) is delighted to announce a groundbreaking $2 million gift from renowned composers Joan and Jeff Beal. This generous donation establishes the Joan and Jeff Beal Fund for Living Composers, dedicated to commissioning fresh, innovative works from composers deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. Ben Cadwallader, LACO’s Executive Director, expressed immense gratitude for this unique and visionary gift, stating, “It’s truly inspiring. This fund will not only allow LACO audiences in Los Angeles to savor the excitement of experiencing brand-new classical pieces by both established and rising stars in the entertainment world, but these commissioned works will then become a lasting legacy, enriching chamber orchestras and audiences globally for generations to come.”
Cadwallader further emphasized the powerful connection between LACO and the Hollywood community, highlighting LACO’s origins in 1968 as a haven for the most gifted musicians in the recording industry. This platform allowed conservatory-trained artists to balance their studio work and teaching commitments with opportunities for pure artistic collaboration at the highest level.
The Beals, longtime Los Angeles residents and champions of the city’s vibrant artistic landscape, shared their enthusiasm, saying, “We recognize the exceptional caliber of LACO’s musicians – world-class performers who bring blockbuster film scores, game soundtracks, and television themes to life by night, while also captivating audiences with the brilliance of Vivaldi and Beethoven. Los Angeles is a melting pot of incredible talent, boasting some of the world’s most brilliant and prolific composers. This gift is our way of bridging these two creative worlds in a truly dynamic way, fostering exciting collaborations and unforgettable concert experiences that will not only enrich but also sustain and propel LACO into a new era of musical innovation.”
The inaugural composers selected for this distinguished fund have been revealed: Pulitzer Prize-winning and multi-award-nominated Michael Abels, whose groundbreaking work will premiere during LACO’s 2025/26 season; and acclaimed Irish video game composer and conductor Eímear Noone, whose LACO commission will debut in the 2026/27 season.
Abels, renowned for his captivating scores for the Oscar-winning film “Get Out” and Jordan Peele’s “Us,” has garnered numerous accolades, including a World Soundtrack Award, the Jerry Goldsmith Award, and a Critics Choice nomination. His hip-hop-infused score for “Us” secured him a spot on the Oscar shortlist and earned the title “Score of the Decade” from The Wrap. Abels also collaborated with Rhiannon Giddens on the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera “Omar.”
Noone, a Los Angeles/Dublin-based composer and conductor, is a leading force in the world of video game music. Her iconic soundscapes for “World of Warcraft” have captivated over 100 million players, inspiring them to create and build new worlds for nearly fifteen years. Her impressive portfolio of 28 film and video game scores has earned her multiple industry awards, including the Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Video Game Score. She has also contributed her talents to film scores for directors like Gus Van Sant and Joe Dante, collaborating with Oscar-nominee Javier Navarrette to craft haunting music for thrillers such as “Mirrors” and “The Hole.”
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Interview: Bridging Two Worlds Through Music
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, everyone! Today we’re thrilled to have with us Ben Cadwallader, the Executive Director of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, as well as a celebrated composer and music expert. We’re diving into an exciting recent development: a $2 million gift from Joan and Jeff Beal that establishes the Joan and Jeff Beal Fund for Living Composers. Ben, thank you for joining us!
Ben Cadwallader: Thank you for having me! It’s an honor to be here and discuss this monumental gift and what it means for LACO.
Editor: This is a significant donation. Can you tell us what sparked the creation of the Joan and Jeff Beal Fund for Living Composers?
Cadwallader: Absolutely. Joan and Jeff Beal are both passionate supporters of the arts in Los Angeles. They recognize the incredible talent in our city and wanted to create a platform for both established and emerging composers, especially those connected to the entertainment industry. This fund will allow us to commission new works that merge classical music with contemporary influences.
Editor: That sounds truly inspiring! How do you envision these commissioned works impacting both audiences and composers?
Cadwallader: We believe this initiative will create an exciting synergy. Audiences in Los Angeles will experience the thrill of brand-new classical pieces that perhaps reflect their own cultural landscape. For composers, this is a unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the finest musicians while bringing their innovative ideas to the forefront. The potential for lasting legacies through these compositions is a thrilling prospect for everyone involved.
Editor: You mentioned anticipating the legacy aspect of these works. How do you see this affecting the future of chamber orchestras, not just in Los Angeles but globally?
Cadwallader: This fund sets a precedent for chamber orchestras worldwide. The original works commissioned through this fund will become part of the repertoire that can be performed by orchestras around the globe. By fostering collaboration between the classical and entertainment worlds, we’re not just enriching our community; we’re contributing to a global dialogue on music’s role in culture and creativity.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a deep connection here between LACO and the Hollywood community, going back to your origins in 1968. How has that history shaped what LACO is today?
Cadwallader: From the beginning, LACO was created as a haven for gifted musicians who often juggled studio work, teaching, and artistic pursuits. That unique environment has allowed us to cultivate exceptional talent. Today, we continue to honor that legacy by collaborating with musicians who can bring their multifaceted skills—from blockbuster film scores to classical masterpieces—to the fore. This hybrid environment encourages innovation and creativity that is vital for our future.
Editor: I can see how that hybrid environment would foster an atmosphere ripe for creativity. Shifting gears a bit, can you give us a sneak peek into what type of works we might expect from the inaugural composers you plan to commission through the fund?
Cadwallader: Our vision is to work with a range of composers, both established names and emerging voices, who are well-versed in the dynamics of film and television music. We’re hoping to see works that traverse different genres, perhaps incorporating elements from digital media, as well as traditional forms, all while exploring themes that resonate with today’s society. Each commissioned piece will reflect the composers’ unique voices and perspectives.
Editor: It certainly sounds like an exciting time for LACO! Before we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to those who care about the future of music, both in Los Angeles and beyond?
Cadwallader: I’d like to emphasize the importance of supporting living composers and new music. This fund allows us to champion innovation and helps connect performers with audiences in new and exciting ways. I urge everyone to engage with this new era of musical exploration. Together, we can build a future where all voices in the arts are heard and celebrated.
Editor: Thank you, Ben, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the Joan and Jeff Beal Fund for Living Composers will have a monumental impact on the music community. We’re all excited to see what’s to come!
Cadwallader: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share these developments, and I too look forward to a wonderful future for music in our city and beyond.
