Malibu music lovers like Eli and Edye Broad and Ginny Mancini can expect a delightful earful as the Los Angeles Philharmonic comes to life for its 2015-16 season.
All indications point to a must-see line up as Gustavo “The Dude” Dudamel and his talented musicians return to their Walt Disney Concert Hall home after wowing summer crowds at the Hollywood Bowl.
If you are a fan of all things Beethoven, then this season is tailor made just for you.
The program features nine symphonies, one top-notch conductor and — not one, but two, famed symphony orchestras — the Los Angeles Philharmonic plus the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.
To kick things off, the Phil will host a starry opening night gala on Sept. 29. Gustavo will take the lead for an evening being billed as “The Brilliance of Beethoven.”
The line-up includes dramatic excerpts from “Egmont, Op. 84” and the “Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43.”
You can also expect a stellar performance from soprano Kiera Duffy and the dancers of the Barak Ballet.
All told, it should be a delight for the eyes and the ears.
If you love Ludwig, his “Symphony No. 9” with its fourth movement “Ode to Joy” is bound to be at the top of your list. It’s been number one on Malibu Seen’s top 10 for decades.
Look for a spectacular finale as the Los Angeles Master Chorale joins in with artistic director Grant Gershon for harmonies that reach to the heavens and are sure to please.
LVB devotees won’t be disappointed. After opening night, you’ll have a chance to check out the “Immortal Beethoven” festival from Oct. 1-13.
Both symphony orchestras will take on four of the nine Beethoven masterworks. Then, they’ll combine forces for the ninth with an astonishing assemblage of 300 of the world’s top musicians.
Not a bad warm up to a spectacular season. After the Beethoven festival, Gustavo will lead the Phil in 11 additional concert programs, totaling 31 performances.
Highlights include Stravinsky’s ballet “Apollo,” starring the American Ballet Theatre’s Roberto Bolle. Mahler’s “Symphony No. 3” adds to the mix along with a program of more contemporary selections including “Soundings” by famed composer John Williams.
Another dramatic favorite for music lovers is the classic “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copland.
As for performers, there are other superstars on the way, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violin master Joshua Bell who delivered a knockout performance at the Hollywood Bowl earlier this year.
What more can you say than cue the confetti, prepare to stomp your feet and gear up for a bunch of bravos!