Melodia Mariposa Holiday Concert, 2024 (File Photo – Melodia Mariposa)
Despite the devastating losses caused by the Eaton Fire earlier this year, Melodia Mariposa, a local non-profit music organization, is pushing forward with their 4th Annual Holiday Concert, continuing their mission to bring world-class music to the community.
By News Desk
The concert, set for Thursday, December 18, at 7:00 pm, will take place at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Lake Avenue. This year’s concert is particularly poignant as it marks the first public performance since the fire that destroyed the Altadena Town and Country Club, where the event was held for the past three years. The fire, which ravaged much of Altadena in early January 2025, also claimed the home of the organization’s founder, violinist Irina Voloshina, along with her driveway-turned-performance space.
“Though we lost so much, we are deeply grateful for the support of our community and Westminster Presbyterian Church for offering us this beautiful new venue,” said Voloshina. “The music will continue, and we hope it brings joy and healing to all who attend.”
Under the direction of Maestro Larry Blank, the concert will feature Melodia Mariposa’s All-Star Orchestra, with local soprano Brooke Iva Lohman performing as a special guest. Attendees can expect a selection of festive and seasonal classics, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
Doors will open at 6:00 pm for a pre-concert reception, where members and donors will be treated to wine and hors d’oeuvres. The concert begins at 7:00 pm, followed by a post-concert toast at 8:30 pm.
In an act of solidarity with the community, Melodia Mariposa is offering free tickets to the concert, as well as for all events through 2025 and 2026. Tickets can be reserved online at melodiamariposa.org.
The organization is also encouraging donations to help support their continued programming, especially in the wake of the destruction caused by the fire.
While 2025 has been a year of hardship, Melodia Mariposa has managed to carry on, offering seven free public concerts and eleven outreach concerts in local senior and medical facilities. Additionally, they launched a new lecture series in 2025, with LA Opera’s James Conlon speaking in September, and Maestro Larry Blank set to deliver a lecture on December 9th at Westerbeck Recital Hall at Pasadena City College.
Since its founding in 2020, Melodia Mariposa has been a cultural beacon for Altadena. What began as intimate driveway concerts during the pandemic quickly evolved into a thriving nonprofit dedicated to bringing classical music to local audiences. Even as they face unprecedented challenges, Melodia Mariposa remains committed to their mission, offering free performances and supporting young musicians through their Rising Stars program.
Melodia Mariposa’s Holiday Concert December 18 7:00 pm Location Westminster Presbyterian Church 1757 N Lake Ave Pasadena, CA 91104
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