GUSTAVO THE GREAT
You’ve seen the banners all over town-Passionate Gustavo! Radiant Gustavo! Vibrant Gustavo! Electrifying Gustavo! Well, believe it, because the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s new 28-year-old conductor is all that and more. From the looks of things on opening night, Gustavo Dudamel is best thing to happen to Los Angeles since the Brooklyn Dodgers moved to town in 1958.
The starry debut kicked off with a waltz down a flamingo colored pink carpet, with A-listers like Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson mixing it up with civic leaders and local music lovers. Ladies pulled out all the stops with furs galore, tons of taffeta and spellbinding bling. Malibu’s Ginny Mancini picked out a floaty coral gown and arrived arm-in-arm with good pal Quincy Jones. L.A. Phil President Deborah Borda celebrated the shades of season, opting for an off-the-shoulder cranberry gown. Tuxedo-clad guys played it safe, but we did spy some whimsical ties and a couple of kilts.
Gala guests were greeted by a South American band and then made their way into BP Hall for a Latin-themed cocktail party. The place was done up in fiesta colors like lime, lemon yellow, hot pink and sky blue with tropical arrangements of protea, palm fronds and anthurium. Servers made the rounds with cheese-filled chilies, chicken ice cream cones, corn blinis with chorizo and Venezuelan beef short rib skewers.
After a few sips of champagne and one more bite, it was show time. Guests took their seats for the world premiere of “City Noir” by contemporary composer John Adams. It was an intense and frenetic piece inspired by the L.A. of Raymond Chandler and the moody noir films of the 1940s.
But this was just the warm-up. After a brief intermission, we sat down for the main event. It was Mahler’s First Symphony conducted like it’s never been played before. Even non-Mahler fans found themselves absolutely riveted.
“I didn’t think I’d like Mahler,” said one, “but this was absolutely amazing.”
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa agreed, adding, “Everyone near me said it was the best they’d ever heard.”
You couldn’t help but marvel at the maestro’s energy. Leaping off the podium, he looked at times as if he were going to propel himself into outer space. He made his talented and hardworking orchestra work even harder with every musician charging ahead like Derby winner “Mine That Bird” approaching the finish line. It wrapped up with a shower of shiny gold and pink confetti and an incredible ten-minute standing ovation.
Guests then made their way to an open-air party palace on Grand Avenue for the Rolex-sponsored Gala Dinner. The place was done up like a colorful South American village decorated with handmade ethnic runners, birds of paradise, alstromeria blooms and bright bromeliads.
Chairman David Bohnett greeted the gathering and was quick to remark on the evening’s unforgettable performance.
“With tonight’s musical fireworks, we have ushered in a new era for the Philharmonic,” he said.
Deborah Borda welcomed the out-of-towners in the group, which included 50 people from Gustavo’s native Venezuela. “There are people who have traveled throughout the world to be here tonight,” she said. “And they know how to party.”
Gustavo then took the first dance with his stunning, young wife who brings to the Philharmonic all the beauty and glamour of a Penelope Cruz. Guests soon joined them on the dance floor, taking turns between bites of spicy prawns and a two-inch thick filet smothered with chimichurri sauce.
As for Gustavo, he told his fans, “What can I say? The music speaks tonight. I am very happy. It is a dream to be here.” And for the City of Angels, it’s also a dream come true.
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