A special tribute to the late Peter Matz, famed music arranger,
accompanist, composer and conductor, will be one of many highlights
when the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles returns this weekend for its
second show of the season at The Alex Theatre in Glendale.
Touting a patriotic theme, "Red, White and Blues, -- An American
Music Celebration," the concert offers a broad sampling of American
music styles, both classical and popular.
Two songs in the show, "God Bless America/Color Out of Colorado,"
were arranged by Matz and Larry Moore.
Matz was best known for creating the orchestral back-ups for most
of Barbra Streisand's early recordings as well as her first two
television shows, her movie, "Funny Lady," and "The Broadway Album."
He also worked with Tony Bennett, Carmen MacRae, Rosemary Clooney and
many others.
For television, he was arranger/conductor for eight years on "The
Carol Burnett Show." His film composing credits include Sidney
Lumet's "Bye Bye Braverman" and dozens of other features as well as
more than 50 movies for television.
Matz was a dear friend to the Gay Men's Chorus, said Bruce
Mayhall, artistic director and conductor.
"He introduced us to many entertainment business people who helped
us with fund-raising and building of awareness of the chorus," he
said.
Matz accompanied the chorus on piano at past concerts and had
arranged music for some of the concerts, Mayhall said.
"He was very active in the community with raising funds for AIDS
research and treatment. In addition to that, he was a magnificent
arranger, orchestrator, conductor," he said.
Matz's wife, soprano Marilynn Lovell Matz, joined her husband
supporting fund-raising projects for AIDS Project Los Angeles and
others, Mayhall said. She will be the guest artist during the
concerts this weekend.
"She is a wonderful performer and marvelous human being in her own
right," Mayhall said. "So we wanted her to be a part of the tribute
to him, and share her great performing ability with the audience."
Marilynn has had several featured roles in film and toured with
the international company of "Hello Dolly" with Mary Martin.
The invitation to perform with the chorus makes her feel "joyous,
loved and appreciated," she said.
She, in turn, appreciates the chorus' tribute to her husband.
"It is indeed an honor," she said. "There are lots of people they
could honor and do. It also feels appropriate, because he
accomplished so much."
Show times are 8 tonight and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets range from $15
