LA Phil's "Marriage of Figaro"

Last night was a wonderful night at the Disney Hall for a L.A. Philharmonic production of Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro."  The Hall was transformed with the orchestra in the front of the stage inside a large oval created by a raised stage where all the action took place...behind, on the sides and in front.  I was first struck by the color RED everywhere including the stage floor in a decorative pattern as well as the architectually interesting risers at the back of the stage.  The "French Fries" of the pipe organ were draped and a long stairs led to the organ itself which was furnished with a sofa in front.  Players hung around the risers and layed on the sofa during the performance.  Twenty-four members of the L.A. Master Chorale periodically filed in and out of the back two rows of the seating sections on either side of the organ.  The remodeled Disney stage was created by Jean Nouvel, architect.

It was a very enjoyable and entertaining evening...nearly 4 hours.  The orchestra was great, the singers fantastic and the whole scene was a an eye popping knock out.

Here are some photo's thanks to the L.A. Times and a blury shot from my seat that gives you the general look of the stage. 

Gustavo Dudamel conducting the Mozart sized orchestra

Figaro, Edwin Crossley-Mercer, baritone, caressing his fiance Susanna, Malin Christensson, soprano in the opening scene.

Gustavo conducting the orchestra and Figaro seemingly conducting the audience...while singing his aria.  The production made fun use of the architecture of the Disney.

The Count Almaviva, Christopher Maltman, baritone, and the Countess, Dorothea Roschmann, soprano

Other singers were Bartolo, John Del Carlo, bass-baritone; Marcellina, Ann Murray, mezzo-soprano; Don Basilio, William Ferguson, tenor; Antonio, Brandon Cedel, bass-baritone; Don Curzio, Jon Ervin, tenor; Barbarina, Simone Osborne, soprano.