Dear friends,
Classical Underground was founded on the spirit and synergy of uniting a community of Art in painting and music. If there is a musical composition that most clearly embodies this spirit, it would be Modest Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," written to commemorate the paintings of his dear artist friend, Viktor Hartmann.
For our December program, Mikael Oganes will play selections from this great virtuoso suite while surrounded by an Exhibition of Pictures selected by our dear friend Jeremy Lipking from a recent show of excellent artists at his studio (see Artist Showcase notes below).
Mark Kashper Kanae Matsumoto
Mark Kashper, beloved master violinist of the LA Philharmonic, and the graceful pianist Kanae Matsumoto return to CU to perform Schubert's lovely and charming Sonatina in G minor.
Victor de Almeida Mikael Oganes
We welcome for the first time to Classical Underground the outstanding violist Victor de Almeida, who will be joined by Mikael Oganes in some festive Piazolla tangos.
Michael Kaufman Ran Kampel
Christopher Goodpasture
Also making their CU debut from USC's Thornton School of Music, performing the Beethoven Clarinet Trio, are Christopher Goodpasture - piano, Michael Kaufman - cello, and Ran Kampel - clarinet.
Steven Vanhauwaert Danny Holt
And a demi-debut: pianist Steven Vanhauwaert, who played at our Levitt Pavilion outing in Pasadena last summer, will be joined by fellow pianist Danny Holt in fanciful duos by Igor Stravinsky and Alfredo Casella.
Noel Gould
If youare a hardcore Undergrounder who sticks around for our decadent after-party bachanals, you know that our awesome recording engineer Noel Gould is himself also a wonderful pianist. For this program we have finally enticed him to share some Chopin in primetime, and of course after-party as well!
Laurence Vittes
Journalist and CU comrade Laurence Vittes is introducing a classical music writing workshop "How To Write About Classical Music Without Becoming A Critic" with a free trial for CU guest, with a post-concert discussion which will start right after the concert (just meet at the bar). 
Steinway CD587
A very important member of our December 19th event is Steinway CD587! It is one of the favorite pianos in the Concert & Artist Department. It was recently used for a recording session featuring singer, songwriter Melody Gardot. CD587 has been described by pianists as having a medium bodied tone with excellent sustain. The piano's action is firm without being heave.
In the spirit of Christmas, we would appreciate if you could please bring an unwrapped toy for our good friends and neigbbors Glory Christian International Church's toy drive in support of their extensive work with underprivileged inner city children.
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As always - bring your spirits, food and drink for you and your friends to enjoy. Please RSVP via Paypal (above). We are sold out. The paypal link is removed.
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We are most grateful to our supportive friends at
for graciously providing us with their incomparable instrument.
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Classical Underground Showcase:
Jeremy Lipking
Joseph Todorovitch
Rose Frantzen
Tony Pro
Ignat Ignatov
and me
In ART we trust!
Alexey Steele
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