Mia Barcia-Colombo (Photo – Sierra Madre Playhouse)
When Grammy-winning cellist Mia Barcia-Colombo takes the stage at the Sierra Madre Playhouse on Saturday, November 15, 2025, audiences can expect more than a traditional recital.
By Luca Bonoli
Presented by Wild Up in partnership with the Playhouse, the latest installment of the L.A. Composer Series promises a deep dive into the sound world of today’s most inventive musical voices.
The program explores the full expressive range of the cello—from its tactile, physical resonance to its expansive electronic possibilities. At its core are two world premieres, with new works by Patrick Shiroishi and Thomas Kotscheff. These fresh compositions are joined by Ted Hearne’s “Lobby Music” for solo cello and electronics, M.A. Tiesenga’s “Solar Winds,” Alyssa Weinberg’s “Prayer” (inspired by Kevin Powers’ The Yellow Birds), and the Courante from J.S. Bach’s Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor.
Barcia-Colombo, a Los Angeles–based cellist celebrated for her adventurous artistry, has carved a multifaceted career spanning orchestral, chamber, and studio performance. A member of the Grammy-nominated ensemble Wild Up, she also performs with Brightwork New Music and the L.A. Phil’s Green Umbrella series, and appears regularly as a substitute cellist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, performing under conductors including Gustavo Dudamel, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Thomas Adès, John Adams, Michael Tilson Thomas, and Zubin Mehta.
Her extensive recording and performance credits include collaborations with Bjork, The Beatles, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny. She can also be heard on major film soundtracks such as Avatar: The Way of Water, Disney’s Encanto, and Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021). In addition, she serves as principal cellist of the Nu Deco Ensemble in Miami, a genre-defying contemporary group known for its innovative collaborations.
The concert continues Wild Up’s ongoing mission to spotlight living composers working in Los Angeles. Founded 15 years ago by Christopher Rountree.
Tickets for the performance are priced from $12 to $35. For more information or to reserve seats, visit sierramadreplayhouse.org or call 626.355.4318.
Wild Up Tuesday, November 15, 2025 7:00 pm Location Sierra Madre Playhouse 87 West Sierra Madre Boulevard Sierra Madre, CA 91024
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