Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Mark Watters Team with Disney for Animated Shorts Program, Featuring New Score, Print for "Sorcerer's Apprentice"

On Saturday, June 13, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra will present "LACO @ the Movies: Celebrating Walt Disney Animation Studios." It'll be a glorious evening of scores and eye-popping animation spanning more than 80 years, performed live with six-time Emmy-winning composer Mark Watters inside the Ace Hotel--that gorgeous Spanish gothic movie theater in the heart of L.A.'s theater district.

Classicalites, you'll relive the joy of films from yore as LACO ("America's finest chamber orchestra," per Public Radio International) screens a host of animated shorts, most of which have not been seen in at least 50 years. Mark Watters, whose composing credits include several recent Disney blockbusters, will conduct and even premiere several new scores.

According to LACO managing director Lacey Huszcza, "Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is honored to team up with Walt Disney Animation Studios for this evening of incredible artistry and entertainment."

This enchanting evening of incredible artistry and entertainment will feature several shorts from older Disney films, including two thought-to-be-lost, recently restored Oswald the Lucky Rabbit pictures (1927's Poor Papa and 1928's Africa Before Dark). Additionally, Silly Syphonic Music Land will be celebrating its 80th anniversary and will be seen for the first time with a live orchestra. And of course, everyone's favorite animated mouse will be featured in 1935's The Band's Concert, 1937's Lonesome Ghost and 1938's Mickey's Trailer.

Other highlights include the viewing of a fresh print of the Dukas-inspired "Sorcerer's Apprentice" scene from 1940's Fantasia, just in time to celebrate that timeless classic's 75th anniversary. This particular iteration will have a compelling new adaptation of the score by Watters, himself.

Tickets start at a mere $35, and the venue is definitely recommended for the whole family.

Also worth noting, Dustin Hoffman, a long-time supporter of LACO, was just named honorary chairman.