LA Phil on Friday

We enjoyed an evening with the L.A. Philharmonic lead by Bramwell Tovey.  The Casual Fridays program featured an interview with Gregory Roosa, horn player.  He talked about his move to L.A. in September from St. Louis where he played in the Symphony.  The Michigan born Roosa moved to L.A. with his wife and child and talked about the challenge of the freeways and joys of the beach.   

Next we heard a Tovey composed "Songs of the Paradise Saloon" with solo trumpet Allison Balsom.  During the performance she played three types of trumpets to denote different mood of the piece that was composed as part of an opera called "The Inventor."  It is about a real live person named Alexander Keith who was a con artist and a "sociopath but loving father."

After intermission we enjoyed Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 in D minor.  This was written in 1937 at a time the composer was working hard to stay on the good side of Stalin in the USSR.  Some say he hid messages that represent the ruthless torment that many of the citizens experience under Stalin rule.  The full orchestra created a strong Russian sound with Joseph Pereira, the Principal Timpanist having a good pounding during the finale.

Following the concert we talked with a couple of the members of the LA Phil in a reception.  This included Marion Arthur Kuszyk, Associate Principal Oboist who has been with the orchestra for 18 years. 

Alison Balsom on trumpet with conductor Branwell Tovey.  Photo is by Jay L. Clendenin of the L.A. Times