There are some jobs that people expect you to keep for life. Pope. US Supreme Court Justice. Principal Trumpet of the Chicago Symphony. But I guess if a Pope can quit early, we shouldn’t be shocked that the CSO’s first chair trumpet can do it too. Chris Martin — the trumpeter, not the lead singer of Coldplay … Continue reading
The four weekends of concerts by the Los Angeles Philharmonic this past January were noteworthy for three reasons: the diversity of programming, the quality of playing, and that the first three conductors — Bramwell Tovey, Zubin Mehta, and Lionel Bringuier — once held titled positions with the orchestra while the fourth, Gustavo Dudamel, is the LA Phil’s current … Continue reading
Lots of things to discuss regarding the Los Angeles Philharmonic — the new Hollywood Bowl season, a quick look back at January’s concerts, and some recent and impending personnel changes within the orchestra — so let me spread it over a few posts for easier consumption. Latest news first . . . Earlier today, the LA … Continue reading
Folks, I’m generally an optimistic, positive-thinking kinda guy. I try to find the bright side of things and give people the benefit of the doubt, even when most others wouldn’t dream of it. So leave it to our good friends at Los Angeles Opera to test my ability to maintain a stiff upper lip and keep … Continue reading
When the Los Angeles Master Chorale originally planned Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis for January of its 2016/17 season, the two performances, let alone the inauguration of a new President of the United States, were still more than a year away. There was no political statement, expressed or implied, in its scheduling, no inherent message of defiance or rebellion in its libretto. … Continue reading
The other shoe has dropped. Having already mentioned that Gluck’s Orpheus and Eurydice will be on the 2017/18 season docket, Los Angeles Opera announced the rest of next season’s schedule earlier this evening. As with the LACO 207/18 season announcement, I’ll give my $0.02 later this week. In the meantime, here are some noteworthy tidbits: Continue reading
It’s that special time of year for arts organizations: new season announcement season (yes, I know, it sounds like it came from the department of redundancy department, but bear with me). First out of the gate for Southern California ensembles was the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra announcement this past weekend. Their 2017/18 season also happens … Continue reading
This past weekend’s press release from Los Angeles Opera about Music Director James Conlon’s latest contract extension through the end of the 2020/2021 season included statements from General Director Plácido Domingo, Board Chair Marc Stern, and Mr. Conlon himself. One person who was not quoted was the company’s Resident Conductor, Grant Gershon, so I asked him for … Continue reading
Los Angeles Opera gets to keep James Conlon around for a little longer. Yesterday, the company announced that the New York-based conductor will remain as Music Director through the end of the 2020/2021 season. His current contract was to expire next year. Mr. Conlon took over the position from Kent Nagano in 2006 and has been a huge presence ever since. Plácido Domingo, … Continue reading
The term “unknown masterpiece” is one usually ascribed to works that haven’t seen the light of day for decades or centuries before somehow being unearthed: a Bach aria stashed amidst birthday cards in a Weimar library or a $5 thrift store painting that may end up being a long-lost Jackson Pollack. Lagrime di San Pietro (Tears of … Continue reading
With the season-opening gala in the rear view mirror, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Music Director Gustavo Dudamel decided to kick-off their regular subscription concerts with a tried-and-true formula: Beethoven, more Beethoven, and a newish work by a living composer inspired by Beethoven. Such concerts usually attract a full house, but they can also be … Continue reading
Los Angeles Opera announced today that Plácido Domingo will continue on as General Director through at least the end of the 2021/22 season. He has held the title since 2003. (The complete press release is below) The tenor/baritone cum conductor cum impresario has a long and storied history with the company, going back to 1984 … Continue reading
You need to take the time to watch this. You will feel much better afterwards. Seriously. Because these three guys kick some serious ass with this brief arrangement of the Stravinsky classic. (Tip of the hat to Brian Lauritzen for originally sharing this gem on FB) Continue reading
Frederick Tinsley, double-bass player with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, passed away on Sept 19th. He was 76-years old. Mr. Tinsley was a 42-year veteran of the orchestra; he was originally hired by Zubin Mehta in 1974. The LA Phil will dedicate a concert to his memory during the opening week of their 2016-17 Walt Disney … Continue reading
The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra kicked-off their 2016-17 season with the purest form of chamber music imaginable: three musicians in someone’s living room playing for a handful of engaged and enthralled guests. Yet as accurate as that description is, it merely begins to scratch the surface of what was a much richer experience that evening. … Continue reading
All is Yar 