Tuneful teens at Disney Hall

Nine hundred students will have a chance to sing in Walt Disney Concert Hall on April 23 when, for the first time, the Los Angeles Master Chorale hosts its annual high school festival there. The students will represent 23 Southland schools from Fullerton to Thousand Oaks.

Plans call for the festival, in its 15th year, to start at 9 a.m. with Master Chorale Music Director Grant Gershon leading a general rehearsal. The event is to culminate in a 1 p.m. concert with music by William Byrd, Mozart, Brahms and others.

“The festival shines a light on these wonderful high school music programs that exist against all the odds,” Gershon says. “So really, a big part of this is to show our support and appreciation of their efforts and to help get the word out and counter the perception that the arts are dying on the vine in the schools.”

Gershon says his “real passion in music” was ignited when he sang in the Alhambra High School choir. “For me, it’s terrifically rewarding to see that tradition carried on, even in these difficult times. To hear 900 young voices singing -- with incredible spirit and passion -- music that ranges over 500 years, three continents and three languages is very, very inspiring.”

The public can attend for free, but tickets are required. For information, call (213) 972-7282 or (323) 850-2000.

-- Chris Pasles