Magic at the Hollywood Bowl

The Hollywood Bowl has provided wonderful magic this season. 

On July 24th, my friend Paul and I enjoyed a rehearsal of the Tchaikovsky Spectacular with the L.A. Phil. conducted by Gustavo Dudamel that included the Fifth Symphony, music from Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, and closing with the 1812 Overture with the help of the U.S.C. brass section.  The fireworks were reserved from the Friday and Saturday night performances.

  

Last week my friend Bonnie and I enjoyed an evening of music on Tuesday by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847).  The first was the Violin Concerto in E minor performed by Gil Shaham with the L.A. Phil conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.  Mr. Shaham was born in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois in 1971.  He has won the admiration of the classical music community with many awards and accolades.  

Gil Shaham

The second part of the evening was the orchestra playing "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with the women of the L.A. Master Chorale and soloists Deanna Breiwick, soprano, and Jennifer Holloway, mezzo-soprano.  Narration from William Shakespeare's play was performed by Bryce Dallas Howard.  The bowl magic was enhanced by lighting and projections of ferries on the screen.

Jennifer Holloway and Deanna Breiwick

Bryce Dallas Howard, Narrator 

On Thursday, July 30th, we returned to the Bowl for an evening of Mozart.  Dudamel led the orchestra in "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" and then the piano was rolled out for Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21...a big favorite.  The soloist was Alice Sara Ott who was very expressive...totally in to the music...as she played beautifully.

Alice Sara Ott

After intermission we enjoyed Mozart's Overture to the "Marriage of Figaro" and then several songs with Gerald Finley and Miah Pearson singing.  These songs by Mozart were from the operas "Don Giovanni," "Cosi fan tutte," and the "Marriage of Figaro."