Maestro Victor Vener And His California Philharmonic Return To Walt Disney Concert Hall For An Awe-Inspiring 11th Season
- Details
- Category: Fine Arts, Dance, Symphony
- Published on Sunday, 08 June 2014 19:23
- Written by Lauren Lewis
Los Angeles - This is the time of year when the heart of downtown Los Angeles beats a little faster with anticipation of another unforgettable summer season with Maestro Victor Vener and his California Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
For the 11th year, Vener brings fresh and compelling programming to the acoustically superior landmark along his signature style, world-class orchestra and spectacular special guests.
The beloved Southern California Sunday matinee concert series begins on July 29 withJohn Williams & Friends. Maestro Vener and Cal Phil bring the big screen to center stage with a selection of pieces from some of John Williams' most memorable scores, including Star Wars, E.T., Jaws and Jurassic Park. Concert-goers will also be treated to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Father and son duo, cellist Dennis Karmazyn and violinist Max Karmazyn, will perform both a special violin/cello arrangement of the Theme fromSchindler's List and the finale of Brahms' Double Concerto. And if all of that isn't enough to create a musical spectacular, the Cal Phil Chorale joins the orchestra for Karl Orff'sCarmina Burana.
Get ready to saddle up on July 13 with Cowboys & Copland, the season's second concert. It's a salute to the wild west with music from screen classic including The Magnificent Seven, How The West Was Won, The Good and The Bad and The Ugly,plus Copland's Billy The Kid and Rodeo—music that set the tone of the west in music for the concert hall, stage and screen. And for good measure, there will be a musical detour south of the border to El Salón México. Copland's patriotic masterpiece Lincoln Portrait—with a special guest narrator—rounds out the program, proving America never sounded so good.
Magic, Fantasy & Adventure abound on August 3 as imaginations run wild when captivated by beautiful music from The Lion King, Beauty and The Beast and The Little Mermaid. The Cal Phil Chorale, under the direction of Cal Phil Chorus Maestra Marya Basaraba, give voice to the stories of these beloved animated classics.
The magic continues with Dukas' fantastical Sorcerer's Apprentice and excerpts from Stravinsky's glittering Firebird Suite. The sound of the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall Pipe Organ, played by organist Philip Smith, join forces with Cal Phil for a one of a kind rendition of Bach's haunting Toccata and Fugue in d minor, proving that too much magic is never enough.
August 10 is dedicated to Movie Masterpieces, celebrating 150 years of music for film and television including themes and cues from Pirates of the Caribbean, Game of Thrones and Titanic as well the finale of Brahms' 1st Symphony from Die Hard 3, aka Die Hard With A Vengeance.
Philip Smith joins Cal Phil a second time for the finale of Saint-Saens Organ Symphony, heard in many movie soundtracks, including Babe. In a case of life imitating art imitating life, Elizabeth Pitcairn will display virtuosity and lyricism as she performs John Corigliano's The Red Violin: Chaconne for Violin and Orchestra on the real "Red Violin," a Stradivarius famous not only for its sound, but it's unique pigment—the actual violin which inspired the story of the film The Red Violin and it's Oscar-winning score.
The final concert of the 2014 season ties together Broadway & Bolero on August 24. Broadway sensations Randall Keith and Joan Almedilla—both known for starring in Les Miz on Broadway and National Tours—lend their tremendous voices to songs from hit shows including Chicago, Evita and Cats.
This sensational season finale also boasts acclaimed classical and flamenco guitarist Adam Del Monte turning up the heat in a performance of Rodrigo's beloved Concierto de Aranjuez. And to ensure Cal Phil's 2014 season ends on several high notes, the evening's program includes performances of Ravel's hypnotic Bolero and Chabrier's effervescent Espana.
"California Philharmonic is stronger than ever, rejuvenated, at the top of our craft and eager to do what we do best for the best audiences in Southern California," said Vener. "We have an exciting line-up and look forward to another sensational summer season at Walt Disney Concert Hall. You don't want to miss a note!"
Cal Phil at Walt Disney Concert Hall Sunday performances start at 2:00pm, with the intimate, enlightening and always entertaining pre-concert Talks With The Maestro at 1:00pm in BP Hall.
As always, those who want to enjoy the outdoor experience this summer can attend Cal Phil concerts at Santa Anita Race Track every other Saturday evening. Gates open at5:30pm to pre-concert dining including delicious gourmet food offerings available on-site, full bars and live jazz. Concerts begin at 7:30pm. Table and lawn seating on the lush green grass of Santa Anita Race Track's infield are available, complete with the area's best unobstructed view of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains.
The California Philharmonic is supported by the California Philharmonia Society, a new non-profit community benefit organization whose main emphasis at this time is to support the California Philharmonic
To purchase tickets to attend the California Philharmonic concerts at Santa Anita Race Track, www.calphil.com.
