It was a festive atmosphere inside and outside Walt Disney Concert Hall on Thursday as the LA Phil unveiled plans (and a new logo) for its 100th anniversary. The actual date of the first concert by the LA Phil was October 24, 1919, so technically the orchestra's birthday is still nearly two years away. However, … Continue reading LA Phil at 100: Celebrating the Past by Looking to the Future
5 Classical Music Stories That Prove 2016 Wasn’t a Total Loss
I read the news this year, oh boy... And so the Year of Death and Brexit and #MAGA comes to a merciful end. Yes, it was a horrific year for unity and truth and famous people staying alive. The awfulness extended to the classical music world as well. We said goodbye to far too many titans … Continue reading 5 Classical Music Stories That Prove 2016 Wasn’t a Total Loss
Familiar Digs; Family Forever
The LA Phil wrapped up its Asia tour with two concerts in Suntory Hall in Tokyo. The stunning hall is tucked away in a labyrinth of office buildings, hotels, and the U-S embassy in the Minato district of Tokyo. It was the first hall designed by Yasuhisa Toyota and it was this hall that sealed the … Continue reading Familiar Digs; Family Forever
YOLA in Japan: Tokyo –> Fukushima
It’s kind of a chaperone’s worst nightmare—Tokyo Station at morning rush hour. Three rail companies and 14 different lines converge on this central station hauling more than 400-thousand commuters through here every single day. And today, among the throngs: 15 young musicians of YOLA. I’m happy to report that no one got lost or separated … Continue reading YOLA in Japan: Tokyo –> Fukushima
13 Awesome Classical Music Things that Happened in 2014
This is my version of a year-end list. There are a million blogs out there about the best classical recordings and performances of 2014. Go read them too. But for pure classical music awesomeness, this is the place. (Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know, it's not comprehensive. So, feel free to leave more awesome classical happenings in … Continue reading 13 Awesome Classical Music Things that Happened in 2014
YOLA and the LA Phil in Boston
Postcard from London: Discover Dudamel
Yesterday was a moment several months in the making for the 10 traveling musicians from YOLA (Youth Orchestra LA). It's why they wrote two essays, gave an interview, and played an audition just for the opportunity to come on this trip to London. Yesterday was the rehearsal and performance of the Discover Dudamel orchestra at … Continue reading Postcard from London: Discover Dudamel
Postcard from London: A Candy Conclave
In addition to the music-making here in London, the LA Phil is hosting a symposium about music education. They've put together an orchestra comprised of students from all over Great Britain, plus ten members of the LA Phil’s own Youth Orchestra LA—or YOLA. It's called the Discover Dudamel Orchestra. Last night, the young musicians met … Continue reading Postcard from London: A Candy Conclave
Brian Lauritzen 