After Friday night’s Los Angeles Philharmonic concert, I had separate communications with two distinguished gentlemen about where that particular performance of Symphonie fantastique ranked among all of the others they had experienced. Interestingly enough, I realized I couldn’t name a single favorite – no individual performance of the Berlioz standard stood out in my mind, … Continue reading
Author Archives: CK Dexter Haven
A video excerpt of Tom Hooten playing “An American in Paris” + LA Phil gala online audio stream almost gone
For those of us unable to make the LA Phil’s all Gershwin gala last Tuesday, I thought I’d share this video clip of that night’s guest Principal Trumpet, Thomas Hooten, playing one of the famous solos from An American in Paris. (LINK TO THE VIDEO) Oh, wait . . . you wanted something different, perhaps … Continue reading
A night of gods and witches: Dudamel and the LA Phil open the 2011/2012 season with Adams, Benzecry, and Berlioz
There is a point in the last movement of Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique when funeral bells loudly toll and announce the beginning of a dance of witches. The ominous three note sequence repeats — forte, then piano — and continues on as the tubas begin playing the Dies Irae from the old Roman Catholic mass for … Continue reading
I’ll take a green one, and a blue one, and a gold one . . . (Johnnie Walker tasting event)
“I love scotch. Scotchy scotch scotch. Here it goes down — down into my belly. Mmmm mmm mmm.” – Ron Burgundy “Champagne’s funny stuff. I’m used to whiskey. Whiskey is a slap on the back, and champagne’s heavy mist before my eyes.” – Macaulay Connor Scotch tasting events have been popping up with increasing frequency. One day it’s The Glenlivet, the next day Glenfiddich, then an … Continue reading
Humor / Los Angeles Philharmonic / Music News & Info: Classical / Music News & Info: Rock, Jazz, World Music, etc.
One of these things is not like the other
#1) LA Phil Principal Concertmaster or British actor who used to be in Monty Python? #2) Muppet or Foo Fighter? Continue reading
At the LA Phil, some faces in new places
The Los Angeles Philharmonic is getting ready to kick-off their 2011/2012 winter season with an all-Gershwin gala this evening. Gustavo Dudamel will be conducting Cuban Overture, An American in Paris, and Rhapsody in Blue with the 71-year-young Herbie Hancock serving as the distinguished soloist. (If you can’t make it to Walt Disney Concert Hall tonight, … Continue reading
All Reviews / Music News & Info: Classical / Other classical music concerts and recitals (in So Cal and beyond) / Reviews 2011/2012
Opening night for The Colburn Orchestra
School only started a few weeks ago, but the members of the Colburn School Conservatory’s flagship ensemble, The Colburn Orchestra, held their first concert of the year this past Saturday night. Yehuda Gilad, music director and wold-renowned clarinet pedagogue, led the first in a five concert series at the famed Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. Thanks … Continue reading
Drink / Napa & Sonoma / Travel / Wine
Three weeks worth of wine (part two of two)
(Continuing where I left off from my previous post on the subject . . . ) 2007 Etude Pinot Noir Deer Camp Estate Carneros and 2007 Etude Heirloom Pinot Noir Estate Carneros As much as I love California Pinot Noir, I’ve have been largely ambivalent to those from Carneros. Whenever I’ve tasted them in the … Continue reading
Eine, zwei, g’suffa! (Oktoberfest care of Costco)
The beginning of autumn is a bittersweet time of the year. On one hand, days are getting shorter than nights, dropping air and water temperatures make for less-than-ideal beach conditions, and the family’s free-time and flexibility gives way to more structure and routine. On the other hand, the football season is in full swing, performing … Continue reading
But if you want me to go, you should just say so
Got a pleasant surprise in my inbox this morning: an email from the Los Angeles Philharmonic saying that Bob Mould and some special guests, including Dave Grohl and Ben Gibbard, would be appearing at Walt Disney Concert Hall in November. Wait. Bob Mould, Dave Grohl, Ben Gibbard, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Walt Disney Concert Hall, … Continue reading
RIP Kurt Sanderling
Kurt Sanderling, prominent conductor in Eastern Europe before and after World War II, principal conductor of the Berlin Symphony from 1960-1977, and later a frequent guest with major European and American orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has died at the age of 98. He was two days away from his 99th birthday. During the interregnum … Continue reading
Almost like being there in person
There are a few concerts left in the Hollywood Bowl season, but the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s contributions in Cahuenga Pass are done for the year and they get a week off before the new 2011/2012 season at Walt Disney Concert Hall kicks off. In case you are feeling nostalgic for a concert you caught earlier … Continue reading
Now taking reservations
A couple of local star chefs who had been on hiatus from the kitchen as they started up new ventures are both now taking reservations at their respective establishments. Michael Voltaggio isn’t opening his new restaurant, “ink.” (yes, the period is part of the official name), until September 21st, but he began taking reservations today. … Continue reading
Finding flutists for orchestras in The OC, Oregon, and San Diego
In what has become a nearly annual event, the Pacific Symphony Orchestra (PSO) has named a new Principal Flute: this time around, the winner is Benjamin Smolen, the current Principal Flute of the Battle Creek Symphony. Mr. Smolen has played as a guest with the Pacific Symphony before. Now that he’s got the full-time gig, let’s hope … Continue reading
Drink / Napa & Sonoma / Travel / Wine
Three weeks worth of wine (part one of two)
When it comes to wine, I’ll drink anything as long as it’s good: still or sparkling, red or white (or pink), dry or sweet, you name it. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure to taste (and drink) a lot more wine than usual, spanning a whole host of varietals. As I mentioned … Continue reading
All is Yar 