I do this every year: leave the punditry to others and tally up the stats. Here's what 2016-17 looks like at the LA Phil. Unlike in years past, I have only included performances by the LA Phil--no visiting artists. 21 commissions, 14 world premieres, 5 U.S. premieres, and 5 West Coast premieres. This beats last … Continue reading LA Phil 2016-17: By the Numbers
2014 LA Phil Radio Broadcasts
Below you'll find the complete listings of the 2014 LA Philharmonic radio broadcasts, which begin locally on KUSC this Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. (National syndication continues this season as well, with air dates/times varying by market.) A few things about this year's series, which I'm particularly excited about: 5 world premieres (all are LA … Continue reading 2014 LA Phil Radio Broadcasts
12 Pieces of Classical Christmas Music in Case You’re Sick of Mariah Carey
For what it's worth, I actually like that Mariah Carey Christmas song. I know I'll take some heat for that, but whatever, I don't really care. It's a well-crafted pop song (if that's possible), which doesn't sound dated (it's nearly 20 years old) like most pop music does after like two weeks. Side note: Mariah … Continue reading 12 Pieces of Classical Christmas Music in Case You’re Sick of Mariah Carey
Postcard from London: The Gospel Truth
Last year, at the world premiere of John Adams' passion-oratorio "The Gospel According to the Other Mary," I wrote an extensive review. At the time, I said I was "less interested" in seeing how Peter Sellars would stage the work in the future, than I was simply excited to hear the music again. Turns out, … Continue reading Postcard from London: The Gospel Truth
A Gospel of Social Justice: The Premiere of John Adams’ “The Other Mary”
If it walks like a Passion and talks like a Passion, chances are it's a Passion. But composer John Adams chose not call his most recent work, The Gospel According to the Other Mary, a Passion. "I just avoided using the word 'Passion,'" Adams told me earlier this week in a conversation backstage at Walt … Continue reading A Gospel of Social Justice: The Premiere of John Adams’ “The Other Mary”
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.”
Brian Lauritzen 