Classical Music, Opera and Music Festivals

While LA is the center of the recording industry, there is much more to see and hear in the city than the latest pop album; music lovers of any stripe will find something to love in this music mecca.

Take the Los Angeles Philharmonic: Named by the New York Times as the best philharmonic in the nation, they have been around since 1919 and have been led by the likes of Zubin Mehta. Today, they make their home at the awesome Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown LA. During the summer, catch the philharmonic at the gorgeous outdoor Hollywood Bowl Amphitheater.

If you're an opera lover, you can hardly ask for more than a company headed by none other than Placido Domingo: Since 2001, he's been the artistic director of the excellent Los Angeles Opera, which has made a name for itself with fresh, often controversial takes on classic favorites, as well as staging sought-after world premieres.

If classical music isn't your thing, there's so much more of an eclectic selection around the city. Check out the listings in the weeklies and daily newspaper for a wide variety of clubs playing rock, jazz, blues, and more.

Or, experience one of the city's fine music festivals, which can be found any time of the year. Many of them feature high-profile acts. The likes of Branford Marsalis and Elvis Costello have appeared at the long-running Playboy Jazz Festival, held every June at the Hollywood Bowl and MC'ed by Bill Cosby.

Coachella attracts tens of thousands of rock-and-roll fans to the Coachella Valley in April to rock out to popular artists such as Depeche Mode, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Willie Nelson -- even Madonna has appeared here. For fewer crowds and a lower profile, check out the Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest, Dance, and Folk Arts Festival. Held off Mulholland Highway in Agoura every May since 1961, this is an intimate, fun event featuring excellent folk music and dance.