Arts opportunities for adults in orange county (Los Angeles, Irvine: apartments, college)

[jayti]

I moved to Irvine from NYC for a new job a while back and, having settled into my job now, am trying to build up my life outside of work. My avocational interests are in the arts. My preferred form of exercise is dance, and I am a serious amateur artist and musician. I have found some good dance studios convenient to my workplace (Maple Conservatory, DeFore Dance), but have not been as successful in finding opportunities in my other interests. Irvine is full of arts opportunities for kids, but for adults not so much.

Does anyone have information about good non-church volunteer SATB choirs that sing a classical repertoire? I found Pacific Chorale (on the large end) and Meistersingers (on the smaller side) but so far that is all. In a metro area of 3M people I would expect more than that.

Does anyone know of any adult amateur community orchestras for adults?

There is a lot of art-making here, and uninstructed open figure sketch sessions are offered several days a week in a number of places. I was studying classical painting techniques before I moved out here, and would like to continue, but have not found local opportunities to do so on weekends. Laguna College of Art and Design does not offer instructed evening/ weekend courses. So far my options seem to be the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative art in Van Nuys, or maybe Watts Atelier in Encinitas. Any suggestions for more local opportunities?

Finally, if I were to move from Irvine, where could I go that is an easy commute to Irvine Business District, that is more tolerant of music practice in apartments? Although apartment management tells me I may practice until 10 pm, in reality where I live is so quiet and corporate that I dare not, and return to my office at work to practice instead! I need a more artsy vibe.

Any insights on any of the above are most appreciated.