Mason Home Concerts: A Hidden Gem for Classical Music Lovers
Mason Home Concerts: A Tribute Through Music in West LA
Todd and Robin Mason transformed their West Los Angeles residence into a vibrant hub for chamber music, a journey that began with informal concerts and a shared passion for performance. Their vision took shape in 2013 when they undertook extensive renovations to create a dedicated concert space, boasting warm acoustics and seating for approximately 50 guests.
Todd Mason recounted their leap into this endeavor, saying, “We took a chance and made a whole room… We got a beautiful piano: a Yamaha Concert Grand. That’s important because to do classical music and chamber music, you must have a good piano.” Initial concerts proved to be met with enthusiasm, leading to growing interest within the community.
Mason Home Concerts continues a longstanding tradition of home-based chamber music in Los Angeles, echoing the “Evenings on the Roof” concerts from the 1940s and the Da Camera Society’s performances in historic venues. Over the past 12 years, the concert series has hosted more than 50 performances featuring distinguished musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, LA Opera Orchestra, and other esteemed ensembles, alongside faculty and alumni from Juilliard, USC, and UCLA.
Todd’s deep connection to classical music began in high school when he founded his own chamber orchestra. He later earned a master’s degree in composition from The Juilliard School in New York City, with his compositions performed by notable orchestras including the Sofia Philharmonic and the LA Philharmonic. However, his career took a different trajectory when he married Robin, leading to a focus on filmmaking.
The idea for Mason Home Concerts emerged unexpectedly, as Todd explained, “It was actually kind of funny… After a concert with a young cellist, he said, ‘If you do your series again next year, I’d love to come back.’ Well, I didn’t even know we were doing a series.” Following a feature by USC, the series found its footing.
Tragedy struck about a decade ago when Robin passed away, prompting Todd to reflect on the future of their musical venture. “I didn’t know what I would do… But this is something that we’d envisioned together,” he shared, leading him to continue the concerts in her honor.
The upcoming concert, part of the Mason Home Concerts 2026 season, is scheduled for February 21. It will feature Chalifour & Friends, an ensemble led by Los Angeles Philharmonic Concertmaster Martin Chalifour, performing Brahms’s “Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 34.” Preceding the performance, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano from the LA Philharmonic will give a talk.
Todd noted the series’ remarkable growth: “In the past 8 years, it has grown and grown… An old family friend makes amazing, almost gourmet food for every single concert. It makes the whole thing extremely special and unique.” Despite suggestions to increase ticket prices, Todd remains committed to accessibility, stating, “My goal is not to make money but to create the best possible music and share it with other people.”
The series features five performances annually, with upcoming dates on March 7, April 18, and May 16. Todd emphasized the concerts’ role as an escape, saying, “In a world that is getting increasingly chaotic, these concerts offer a kind of oasis for everybody that comes… They’re all lit up. They’ve just never heard anything like that.”
Audience reactions highlight the intimacy of the experience. Todd remarked, “A comment I’ve often received is that they’ve heard that piece, but they’ve never really heard it before like that,” illustrating the unique connection afforded by the intimate setting. Reflecting on his personal journey, he stated, “What’s happened in the last 10 years… has become my personal salvation, too, to recover from the loss of my wife and find a new purpose.”
Tickets are available for a suggested minimum donation of $40 per concert, or $175 for a season pass, which includes hors d’oeuvres and a buffet dinner prior to the concerts.
