The Los Angeles Philharmonic has made some rather impressive hires during the Gustavo Dudamel era, but perhaps none more intriguing than the three stellar principal woodwinds. They’re tough to miss, both because they sit dead-center in the orchestra and, more importantly, because their playing is impeccable. They also share a notable line-item on their curriculum … Continue reading
I am very happy and honored to announce that the good folks at the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra have invited me to host the pre-game show, er, the pre-concert discussion with guest conductor Peter Oundjian this coming Sunday evening, October 15 at UCLA’s Royce Hall. We’ll be on stage 6:00 to 6:30pm chatting about the … Continue reading
It’s time once again for your roundup on recent personnel movement (and lack thereof) at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. There is much to cover, so let’s get right to it, starting with the biggest news of the summer . . . The stories behind the departures of Ariana Ghez and Carrie Dennis The biggest buzz … Continue reading
My previous story on the Los Angeles Philharmonic musicians’ new 5-year contract has caused some buzz, even though the $164,726 annual base compensation the LA Phil players will receive in 2022 is not tops among US orchestras. (For a quick comparison, see this chart of the eight highest-paid orchestras, care of Drew McManus on Adaptistration). Well, … Continue reading
The truism that “the rich get richer” has been once again proven accurate, both literally and figuratively. First, the literal part: yesterday, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association (LA Phil) and American Federation of Musicians Local 47, AFL-CIO, jointly announced agreement on a new five-year labor contract, with base wages ultimately reaching Continue reading
The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra recently announced the hiring of two new musicians: Continue reading
The Melodica Men — those crazy and talented guys that previously brought you “The Rite of Spring” on toy instruments — are back, this time with an impressive rendition of the finale of Tchaikovsky’s 4th Symphony. It truly has to be seen and heard to be believed. (See the video below) Continue reading
Twenty years is a long time to hold any job, especially in the 21st Century, and particularly when that job is Music Director of a professional orchestra. Which makes it all the more remarkable that Jeffrey Kahane is only now stepping down as the artistic leader of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, a full generation … Continue reading
The Los Angeles Philharmonic announced this morning that Deborah Borda, the orchestra’s President and CEO, will be stepping down from her post to take the same position with the New York Philharmonic. The move becomes effective September 15, 2017. The full press release is below. She is, of course, no stranger to the NY Phil. She … Continue reading
This past Tuesday, the Los Angeles Philharmonic announced details of their 2017/2018 Walt Disney Concert Hall season, the 99th Winter/Spring concert series in their history. Once again, orchestral fans in Southern California have good reason to celebrate because, once again, it’s a really, REALLY freakin’ good season. Let’s take a quick look at the most compelling elements of the … Continue reading
There’s been a fair amount of personnel movement at the Los Angeles Philharmonic over the past few months. Let’s get everybody caught up: Filling empty seats in the Bass section The LA Phil basses have had two openings since the 2014 retirement of John Schiavo and the sad passing of Fred Tinsley late last year. A … Continue reading
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
All is Yar 