For the first time in three years, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) gathered for its annual fundraising gala, which this year celebrated Oscar-nominated film composer James Newton Howard (“Wyatt Earp,” “The Sixth Sense,” “The Dark Knight”). LACO Music Director Jaime Martín conducted the orchestra in Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and the world premiere of a medley of two works from film scores by Howard.

“My presence here tonight is consistent with LACO’s beginning in 1968 as an outlet for LA’s top session musicians,” Howard said. “I like to think the reverse is also true – that recording a movie score can be challenging and satisfying and an opportunity for orchestral musicians to hone new skill sets.”