Pauline Adamek
Once again, Artistic and Music Director of MUSE/IQUE Rachael Worby took us on a musical journey, tracing the life and career of artist Joni Mitchell. Renowned as a singer songwriter, Mitchell’s wistful, poetic folk songs captured the spirit of the late-1960s flower power era. Along with other influential artists of the times, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, The Beatles, and others, she helped define the sound of the late-1960s counterculture.
Five performances remain for DEFIANTLY JONI: A Singer/Songwriter Bares Her Soul.
Sunday’s concert was jubilant with celebration of this extraordinary artist’s life. MUSE/IQUE’s Defiantly Joni is a heartfelt and beautifully curated tribute to the singular artistry of Joni Mitchell. Under the inspired direction of Rachael Worby, the production goes beyond a greatest-hits concert, weaving together Mitchell’s music, poetry, and personal journey into an intimate portrait of an artist who refused to be defined by convention.
Above photo: Artistic and Music Director Rachael Worby conducts MUSE/IQUE at the Mark Taper Forum. Effie Passero. Photos: Haoyuan Ren, courtesy of MUSE/IQUE.
A big part of MUSE/IQUE’s appeal are the informative mini-lectures that Rachael Worby relates (from memory) in-between each song performance.
It was interesting to learn that Mitchell has always said, “I am a painter first and a musician second, as it turns out.” Worby projected images of the artworks and album covers that Michell painted, including some gorgeous self-portraits.
We were treated to impressive performances by Chris Pierce, Effie Passero, the DC6 Singers Collective, and the MUSE/IQUE Orchestra – all of whom captured the emotional depth and musical sophistication of classic songs including “Both Sides, Now,” “The Circle Game,” “Coyote,” “Big Yellow Taxi,” as well as selections from Blue. Rather than imitate Mitchell, the cast honored her ferociously independent spirit, illuminating the jazz, folk, and classical influences that shaped one of the most original voices of the 20th century. Effie Passero, in particular, demonstrated Mitchell’s three-octave range with ease, but added a power that felt more suited to Broadway. Chris Pierce also sang Mitchell’s songs beautifully and deftly performed on the harmonica.
In her youth, Mitchell sang in a light soprano range with exceptional agility. She could move effortlessly into a bright, bell-like upper register while maintaining precise intonation and crystal-clear diction. Her range comfortably spanned about three octaves, although she seldom used it for vocal acrobatics. Following decades of performing, smoking, and natural aging, her voice deepened into a rich contralto/alto. Rather than losing expressiveness, she developed a darker, more textured sound that lent new emotional weight to her later recordings.
Warm, insightful, and musically rich, Defiantly Joni celebrates not only Mitchell’s extraordinary catalog but also her enduring legacy as an artist who always remained, in every sense, defiantly herself.
Now at 82 years of age, Mitchell is not actively releasing new studio music. Her last album of entirely new original songs was Shine (2007). Since then, she has released archival and live recordings, including entries in her acclaimed Joni Mitchell Archives series.
After suffering a brain aneurysm in 2015, many thought she might never perform again. However, she made a remarkable return through informal “Joni Jams” with friends, which led to public performances beginning in 2022. She has since appeared at a handful of concerts and festivals, often performing seated and accompanied by an ensemble.
Presented as part of MUSE/IQUE’s 2026 season, Where the Heart Is: 250 Years of American Music and Innovation, the production runs July 11–19, 2026, at the Mark Taper Forum in Downtown Los Angeles. Five performances remain for DEFIANTLY JONI: A Singer/Songwriter Bares Her Soul.
Led by Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby, the production features acclaimed vocalists Chris Pierce and Effie Passero, the dynamic DC6 Singers Collective, and the celebrated MUSE/IQUE Orchestra. Presented in partnership with the Center Theatre Group,
and proudly sponsored by Classical California.
DEFIANTLY JONI is led by Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby
with Chris Pierce, Effie Passero, the DC6 Singers Collective,
and the MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles CA 90012
Thursday, July 16 and Friday July 17 at 7:30pm
Saturday, July 18 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Sunday, July 19, 2026 at 2:30pm
Admissions available now at muse-ique.com
To learn more, please visit http://www.muse-ique.com/membership.
MUSE/IQUE membership begins at $350 and MUSE/IQUE members receive complimentary admission to all MUSE/IQUE events.
Admission for non-members starts at $75 for a single admission or $100 for a trial membership with admission for two people.
MUSE/IQUE is a member-supported, nonprofit performing arts organization that creates transformative musical adventures and illuminates the music that shapes our lives. By reimagining the traditional format of the live classical orchestral experience, Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby seamlessly blends musical performances with researched curation. Their mission is to build empathy and expand imaginations through transformative live events and strong partnerships with fellow nonprofit organizations in Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area.
Presented in Partnership with Center Theatre Group
Center Theatre Group, one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations, is Los Angeles’ leading not-for-profit theatre company, which, under the leadership of the Brindell & Milton Gottlieb Artistic Director Snehal Desai, Managing Director / CEO Meghan Pressman, and Producing Director Douglas C. Baker, programs the Mark Taper Forum and the Ahmanson Theatre at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Center Theatre Group is one of the country’s leading producers of ambitious new works through commissions and world premiere productions and a leader in interactive community engagement and education programs that reach across generations, demographics, and circumstances to serve Los Angeles.
Founded in 1967, Center Theatre Group has produced more than 700 productions across its three stages, including such iconic shows as Zoot Suit; Angels in America; The Kentucky Cycle; Biloxi Blues; Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992; Children of a Lesser God; Curtains; The Drowsy Chaperone; 9 to 5: The Musical; and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. CenterTheatreGroup.org
Proudly Sponsored by Classical California
Classical California is now easier than ever to enjoy, with a new unified website and a brand-new app that brings together the former KUSC and KDFC services into one statewide home for classical music. Listeners can explore what’s playing, discover hand-picked programs from friendly hosts (no algorithms, just humans with good taste), find arts events, and stream anywhere, anytime. It’s all free, listener-supported, and designed to make everyday life more harmonious. Visit classicalcalifornia.org or download the Classical California app to listen.
