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
Author Archives: CK Dexter Haven
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
A better idea than “warm salty nuts”
I’d put ice cream up there on my list of favorites along with the aforementioned orchestras and beer. And when it comes to ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s takes pride of place in our freezer. Each time I think I’ve found my go-to flavor, they manage to invent some tasty new creation, often with a … Continue reading
Symphony in Beer
You know, some things just don’t get old, especially when it involves the combination of two of my favorite things: orchestras and beer. Here’s a real 2007 Australian commercial for Victoria Bitter beer starring the Melbourne Symphony and Orchestra Victoria (playing as the “Victoria Bitter Orchestra”) in a performance of “The VB Stubby Symphony.” Also … Continue reading
Getting ramped up for the new seasons
Welcome to September (special thanks to Pomplamoose for helping to ring it in with style). We officially still have a few weeks of summer left, but this month is when all sorts of seasons (musical and otherwise) start anew: My beloved USC Trojans kick-off their 2011 football season tomorrow at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum … Continue reading
Yefim Bronfman on Iron Chef America again
I was settling in for the evening when, on a whim, I decided to watch the latest episode of Iron Chef America. Mind you, this is something I do very rarely these days because I don’t think the latest crop of contest-chosen alleged “iron chefs” are actually worthy of the title (Marc Forgione on the same plateau as … Continue reading
Classical music marketing — try it yourself, win LA Opera tickets
Just got back from a week’s vacation up in Northern California: fun in Yosemite, Napa, and Sonoma. I spent some quality time outdoors hiking and relaxing, not to mention tasting some very yummy wines (more on that in the near future). Much of the week was spent unplugged and away from the internet (partially by … Continue reading
Comparing guest conductors’ rehearsal styles: how to endear yourself to an orchestra — or not
“The art of conducting lies, in my opinion, in the power of suggestion that a conductor exerts – on the audience as well as on the orchestra,” the conductor Otto Klemperer once observed. “A conductor must know how to hold attention. He must be able to lead the players with his eyes and the movements … Continue reading
Quick hits on a Tuesday
First and foremost, many thanks to Timothy Mangan, esteemed music critic and muppet fan extraordinaire, for adding “All is Yar” to the blogroll of ClassicalLife.net. As much as I appreciate his wry sense of humor when covering popular culture, I continue to hold out hope that the editors and publishers of the Orange County Register … Continue reading
All Reviews / Los Angeles Philharmonic / Music News & Info: Classical / Music News & Info: Rock, Jazz, World Music, etc. / Reviews 2011/2012
Rodrigo y Gabriela (et al) at the Hollywood Bowl
A near-capacity crowd filled the Hollywood Bowl to the brim this past Saturday night. Gustavo Dudamel was in the house, along with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and some other folks. But for once, the crowd was not really there to see The Dude. Sure, there were a few screams of “We love you, Gustavo!” but … Continue reading
All is Yar 