Monday, December 8, 2025

Melodia Mariposa’s Altadena Holiday Concert: Joyful Seasonal Music of Resilience

Altadena’s beloved music nonprofit, Melodia Mariposa, is proving that even fire cannot silence its song. After the Eaton Fire destroyed the Altadena Town and Country Club on January 7–8, 2025—less than three weeks after the 2024 performance—the group is back with renewed spirit and a new home for its 4th Annual Holiday Concert. 

This year, the celebration unfolds at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Lake Avenue, where Maestro Larry Blank will lead Melodia Mariposa’s All Star Orchestra in a program of festive classics and seasonal surprises. Adding to the magic, local soprano Brooke Iva Lohman will join the ensemble, bringing her voice to a night designed to lift spirits and honor community resilience. 

The evening begins with a warm welcome: doors open at 6 p.m. for a pre-concert reception featuring wine and hors d’oeuvres for members and donors. At 7 p.m., the sanctuary fills with music, and by 8:30 p.m., the night concludes with a celebratory toast. 

What makes this concert even more remarkable? Tickets are free. In recognition of the hardships Altadena has faced, Melodia Mariposa has pledged to present all concerts at no cost throughout 2025 and 2026. It’s a gift of music, community, and hope.

Despite losing three venues and even the home of founder Irina Voloshina in the January fire, the organization has already delivered seven free public concerts, eleven outreach performances, and two lectures in its new “Conductors” series this year. James Conlon, Director of the LA Opera, spoke in September, and Larry Blank will give a talk on December 9th at the Westerbeck Recital Hall at PCC. 

From its beginnings on Voloshina’s driveway during the pandemic—where almost 70 concerts were performed—to its current lineup of free concerts and outreach programs, Melodia Mariposa embodies resilience, generosity, and joy. Irina’s house and driveway on Mariposa Street may have burnt down, but the nonprofit is going strong with a great lineup of free concerts for the 2026 season. 

The organization has expanded its mission with a music lecture series in 2025, outreach concerts in local senior and medical facilities, and support for young musicians through its Rising Stars program. 

Donations to support this valued community organization can be made here: https://melodiamariposa.org/donate-melodia-mariposa/.

The 4th Annual Holiday Concert of Melodia Mariposa: Celebrating Resilience of Altadena will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m. for a pre-concert reception and the evening concludes with a toast at 8:30 p.m.). Admission is free, part of Melodia Mariposa’s commitment to present all concerts at no cost in 2025 and 2026. The event takes place at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Lake Avenue, Altadena. For more, visit www.melodiamariposa.org.