LOS ANGELES -- The historic open-air Ford Ampitheatre has scheduled four nights of classical music as part of its 2005 summer season.

LOS ANGELES JEWISH SYMPHONY takes the stage Aug. 21 with an evening of Yiddish and Russian songs, contemporary cantorial selections, and Barry Gold performing Hoffman's Cello Concert, conducted by Noreen Green.

In a rare local appearance, world renowned cellist LYNN HARRELL invites pianist Valentina Lisitsa and violinists Helen Nightengale and Bruce Dukov to join him in a program of Handel, Chopin, Sousa and Tchaikovsky. Aug. 23
     

     
A sacred music celebration will take place on Sept. 25 when CANTORI DOMINO & SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PANHARMONIC, a 50-voice-strong ensemble, sings Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms.

CONJUNTO IBERICO, with Spanish soprano LAURA ALONSO, will offer a Latin-flavored program on Oct. 8. Called "a treasure" by Yo-Yo Ma, the group opens its first major North American tour with this concert, which features Villa Lobos' Bachianas Brasileras No. 5.

Call (323) 461-3673 or visit FordAmpiTheatre.org