A century to the day after the orchestra’s first concert on 24th October 1919, the centennial season culminates in a “splashy gala night” (San Francisco Classical Voice) at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with the current and former chief conductors Dudamel, Mehta and Salonen sharing the podium. The repertoire is a true reflection of the DNA that makes the LA Phil the LA Phil and “the defining factor of this orchestra is its ability to blend genres and styles to create totally new takes on classical works.” (The Guardian) The New York Times recently called the LA Phil “America’s most important orchestra. Period”. Look no further than this concert´s program: Ravel’s La Valse – Zubin Mehta; Lutoslawski’s Symphony No. 4 – Esa-Pekka Salonen; Strawinsky’s Firebird Suite – Gustavo Dudamel and the World Premiere of Daníel Bjarnason’s New Work for Three Conductors! BONUS LA Phil – The Tradition of the New. The documentary portrays the LA Phil and its continual creative reinvention on the occasion of this jubilee. Including a historical part to trace the steps that played a part in where the orchestra stands today + interviews with the current and former chief conductors Dudamel, Mehta, Salonen + Frank Gehry, John Adams + music critics, and members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic staff.
LSO: Alexandre Bloch & Alice Sara Ott
A starburst of musical colour for the new year. Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune opened new worlds of sonic sensuality, while Lutoslawski’s Concerto for Orchestra launched dazzling sonic fireworks into the grey skies of postwar Poland. The LSO and conductor Alexandre Bloch present the two masterpieces to bookend a performance by pianist Alice Sara Ott – a regular guest of this orchestra, and a firm favourite of the Barbican audience. She plays the sunlit, jazz-flavoured G major Concerto by Maurice Ravel – and the concert ends with Ravel, too: his unforgettable evocation of a world dancing on the edge, La Valse. Music to thrill the ears and intoxicate the spirit. PROGRAM Debussy: Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune; Ravel: Piano Concerto in G, La valse; Lutoslawski: Concerto for Orchestra