LA Phil maestro Gustavo Dudamel doesn’t play the Hollywood Bowl that often, but when he does, he makes it an event to remember. And memorable it was as he shared the stage with world-famous pianist Yuja Wang and the Bowl Orchestra for two musical masterpieces. Gershwin’s classic “Rhapsody in Blue” and Ravel’s “Bolero” were performed underneath a starry sky and like never before. Malibu music fans like Ginny Mancini always gives these programs a big thumbs up.
The night started with “Catfish Row,” Gershwin’s five-movement suite from “Porgy and Bess,” which landed a big applause, followed by “Summertime” and another standing ovation. Yang meantime, in her dazzling outfits, made the piano center stage and jaws dropped at the ease with which she played. With the piano placed in front of the conductor, she was clearly in the spotlight. She gave a fresh twist on “Rhapsody in Blue,” which garnered yet another standing ovation. With hands furiously clapping, her encore was Kapustin’s “Toccatina.”
“Rhapsody in Blue” was sheer magic. What’s more, it was a treat for my husband, who was delighted to hear the United Airlines theme song played just as he was to become a permanent gold member with one million actual miles flown.
“Bolero” has always belonged to Dudamel and he made this rendition extra special. If he left everyone waiting for more, there is more.
The “Dude” returns for a two-night extravaganza when he conducts the popular Tchaikovsky spectacular with fireworks. The program ranges widely across the Russian panorama, from the exquisite pas de deux taken from one of the most famous ballets of all time, to the battlefield in 1812 when the Russians fought valiantly to drive Napoleon’s invaders from their soil. Gustavo conducts alongside the American Ballet Theater with Hee Seo and Cory Sterns in the “White Swan,” Gillian Murphy and Alex Hammoudi in the “Black Swan,” plus other selections from “Swan Lake” and the “1812 Overture.”
Also coming up, Korngold and Beethoven’s Fifth with Joana Carneiro conducting and Gil Shaham on violin. Another great match on the classical program is Beethoven and Schubert with the Piano Concerto No. 4 followed by the Symphony No. 9 “Great C Major.” All in all, it’s a classical gas!
ON THE BIG SCREEN
It’s lights, camera and action at the Malibu Playhouse, which will hold a special documentary screening of “Salam Neighbor” on Saturday, Aug. 13. It was produced by two American filmmakers, Zach Ingrasci and Chris Temple. Together they fully imbedded themselves in a Syrian refugee camp for a firsthand look at the Middle East’s biggest humanitarian crisis.
The evening will also feature an art exhibit by popular Malibu canvas painter Kathleen Keifer. Together it’s an evening of heart, art, substance and soul.
