It Doesn't Want to Sound Good
Take a musical tour of two intricate instruments invented during the Middle Ages, the harpsichord and the hurdy gurdy, in the private studio of artist Curtis Berak.
An expert in the field, Curtis supplies orchestras all over the West Coast with instruments essential for certain pieces of Baroque and Renaissance music. Curtis will walk us through his studio, showing us the intricacies of creating, building and repairing the delicate components of the harpsichord.
Then our tour will move to another studio where Curtis will showcase the deceptively complex hurdy gurdy—part violin, part keyboard, and part ancient contraption. Curtis will share folklore, design history and even perhaps a long forgotten song while drawing from his collection of over 60 instruments, many of which are several hundred years old.
Curtis Berak’s private studios, set amongst a labyrinth of workshops in downtown Los Angeles, a place he has worked for 40 years.
Hi. I’m Carlyle, and I’m in charge of all of Atlas Obscura’s experiences in Los Angeles.
I am a life-long traveler with a background in theatre and performance, and have been producing experiences with Atlas Obscura in Los Angeles for 2 years. I have an endless curiosity and drive to learn and explore the world around me.
For this experience, I’ll be partnering with Curtis Berak, one of the foremost experts on harpsichords. Curtis is part artist, part craftsman and part detective—especially when it comes to hunting down clues to the origins of the instruments he loves. We’re excited to share these incredible, intricate instruments with you!
For questions about this experience, please contact me directly through Airbnb.
We will be standing for a good portion of this experience. Please wear comfortable shoes. As it is an industrial space, closed toe shoes are recommended. Come with your questions and curiosity! Curtis loves to dive into the subject.
There are 10 spots available on this experience.
Guests ages 10 and up can attend.
- Comfortable shoes (please no open toed shoes or sandals)
- Water bottle if needed.
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.
