FALL AT THE HALL
The Los Angeles Philharmonic capped off a spectacular summer season at the historic Hollywood Bowl and now the world-class orchestra is ready to relocate to its autumn, winter and spring digs at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The opening-night festivities are a must for Malibu’s music-loving locals like Eli Broad and Ginny Mancini.
This one is not to be missed, especially if you are curious about George. An all-Gershwin program tops the bill on Sept 27 with “Cuban Overture” as well as classics like “Rhapsody in Blue” and “An American in Paris.”
The one and only Gustavo Dudamel will be at the helm with legendary jazzman Herbie Hancock on the ivories.
Gustavo kicks off his third year with the orchestra. He begins an ambitious season that includes nine new commissions, seven world premieres, three U.S. premieres, five West Coast premieres, the first installment of a three-year Mozart opera project and the complete Mahler symphonic cycle (performed in two countries).
The Mahler project will be one of the highlights for Gustavo, who will bring the works to Walt Disney Concert Hall as well as Caracas, where he has partnered with the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela. “My love affair with Mahler started when I was a boy and was given a recording by my uncle,” he explains. By the age of 16 the young conductor was already performing Mahler’s First Symphony. “The works of Mahler have a very special place in my heart and to have my two families, the L.A. Phil and the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, perform the complete cycle both in L.A. and Caracas is, for me, a dream come true.”
In addition to Gershwin and Mahler, the Phil offers up selections from a wide range of composers. October features a very different sort of program with Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine,” Stravinsky’s “Symphony in C” and “Symphonie Fantastique” by Berlioz. There’s also an all-Mendelssohn evening with “Hebrides Overture,” a violin concerto, and his “Symphony No. 3,” also known as the “Scottish Symphony.”
Although the Phil has had many all-star conductors over the years, its partnership with “The Dude” seems to be one made in musical heaven. “Gustavo reflects the vibrant spirit of Los Angeles,” says President Deborah Borda. “Musicians and audiences alike find his unparalleled energy and inexhaustible passion infectious.”
For Gustavo, the feeling is mutual. “Each time I return to Los Angeles, I feel like I am coming home. Music making in Los Angeles is about building bridges, removing boundaries and making music accessible to all and of course, about enjoying our time together.” Bravo!