Earlier this week on the KUSC Blog, Tim Greiving chronicled the five film scores nominated for this year’s Academy Awards. His post was titled “For Once, Oscar Picked (Some of) the Best Scores,” hinting that perhaps The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences occasionally misses the mark. Okay … actually, The Academy has a … Continue reading Top 8 Oscar Snubs: Film Music Edition
Kenneth Turan on 2013 Oscar Nominations
Here I am chatting with LA Times and Arts Alive film critic Kenneth Turan about this year's Oscar nominations. Surprises, omissions, and *gasp* perhaps a snub in a minor category? For more from Turan, including his thoughts on the 1971 Claude Sautet policier Max et les Ferrailleurs, tune into Arts Alive this Saturday morning at … Continue reading Kenneth Turan on 2013 Oscar Nominations
Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic on Stravinsky’s Rite
This weekend, the LA Philharmonic performs Igor Stravinsky's seminal masterpiece, The Rite of Spring, with music director Gustavo Dudamel. The concerts mark the opening of the 2012-13 season at Walt Disney Concert Hall. I spoke with Dudamel as well as several members of the LA Phil about what it's like to perform The Rite. Here … Continue reading Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic on Stravinsky’s Rite
LA Phil/KUSC Hollywood Bowl Broadcasts
I'm proud to announce this summer's roster of radio broadcasts of the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. Concerts will air in their entirety, Saturday afternoons at 2:00, beginning August 11th on Classical KUSC. Yours truly hosts. Some of the series highlights for me: -every classical concert conducted by Gustavo Dudamel -Edgar Meyer's new Double … Continue reading LA Phil/KUSC Hollywood Bowl Broadcasts
Deitch Has Spoken
But he hasn't said much. In what was billed by the LA Times as a "wide-ranging" interview about the mess at MOCA, Deitch didn't stray too far from the party line. Among the subjects he addressed: -How great Eli Broad is. ("Eli has been an absolutely great patron with us. He's so totally supportive.") -How … Continue reading Deitch Has Spoken
A Conversation with John Adams: “I’m not sure what art does.”
The world premiere of The Gospel According to the Other Mary, by John Adams, takes place tonight. Gustavo Dudamel conducting the LA Philharmonic, LA Master Chorale, and soloists in this evening-length oratorio (135 minutes, in two acts) about the final days of Jesus' life. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to sit down with John Adams, … Continue reading A Conversation with John Adams: “I’m not sure what art does.”
I Speak Cello
Brian Lauritzen isn't just a familiar voice on KUSC, he's also a cellist. His two worlds collide Friday, March 9 at 7:30 PM when KUSC broadcasts live from the opening night concert of the Piatigorsky International Cello Festival. But before the festival starts, how about some... FUN CELLO FACTS FROM BRIAN LAURITZEN The most money … Continue reading I Speak Cello
The Joy of Music: A Skeptic’s Encounter
As a journalist, I am paid to be cynical. It's my job to voice skepticism and to demand truth in the face of spin. Having heard so much about the Venezuelan music education network known as El Sistema, it's tempting for me to be dismissive. Surely the PR machine has carefully scripted the narrative for … Continue reading The Joy of Music: A Skeptic’s Encounter
A Venezuelan Debut
Sunday, February 12th. Today is an off day for the musicians of the LA Philharmonic. Following their triumphant Venezuelan debut last night, LA Phil officials smartly decided to avoid any concert or educational activities on this day and Venezuelans will be headed to the polls for the opposition party’s primaries. Elections here in Venezuela have … Continue reading A Venezuelan Debut
¡Bienvenido LA Phil!
Greetings from Caracas, Venezuela! After a somewhat brutal travel day yesterday (I left my house at 7:15a and arrived at the hotel in Caracas after midnight), we’re all just sort of trying our best to relax a little bit before the buses arrive to take us to the concert hall this afternoon. The work begins … Continue reading ¡Bienvenido LA Phil!
Brian Lauritzen 