Skip to page content
  • WDCH
  • THE LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC PERFORMS AN "ALL-AMERICAN" PROGRAM WITH GUEST CONDUCTOR ROBERT SPANO AND PIANIST ANDRÉ WATTS
  • May. 14, 2004
  • FRIDAY, MAY 14, AT 11 AM; SATURDAY, MAY 15, AT 8 PM; AND SUNDAY, MAY, 16 AT 2 PM
    AT WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL

    American conductor Robert Spano leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Friday, May 14, at 11 a.m.; Saturday, May 15, at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 16 at 2 p.m. The program focuses on three impressions of America: Symphonic Ode by Copland, Piano Concerto No. 2 by MacDowell, and Dvorák's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World." Piano virtuoso André Watts joins the orchestra for the rarely-performed Piano Concerto No 2.

    The program explores the musical influences on three composers. Inspired by his hometown, Copland's Symphonic Ode (his first big work solely for orchestra) captures the essence of New York City - from its hustle and bustle lifestyle to the stillness of its nights. Though he was American, MacDowell's music tastes were firmly rooted in German Romanticism. This accomplished pianist studied abroad, and both of the composer's Piano Concertos were conceived in Germany. On the other hand, Dvorák composed his Ninth Symphony during his first year in America. Illustrating both the American and Czech folk spirit, the composer also incorporated African-American spirituals and Native American themes into the four movement work.


    Upbeat Live
    pre-concert events take place one hour prior to each concert in BP Hall at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and are free to all ticket holders. The noted music writer Michael Steinberg hosts.

    ROBERT SPANO is currently music director of the Atlanta Symphony and Brooklyn Philharmonic and in addition to these posts was recently appointed Director of the 2003 and 2004 Festivals of Contemporary Music at the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Tanglewood Music Center. He has led nearly all of North America's major orchestras, and is equally adept on the opera podium, having led productions at the Royal Opera Covent Garden and the Welsh National Opera.

    Pianist ANDRÉ WATTS celebrates his 40th year as a professional artist since making his stunning debut at the age of 16 with the New York Philharmonic. Only two weeks later, Bernstein asked Watts to substitute at the last minute for the ailing Glenn Gould in performances with the New York Philharmonic. At age 26, Watts was the youngest person to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Yale University and has since received numerous honors from respected schools, including the University of Pennsylvania, Brandeis University, and The Juilliard School of Music. Now, André Watts continues his career with the world's great orchestras and conductors in sold-out concerts and recitals.


    EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

    FRIDAY, MAY 14, 2004 at 11 AM

    SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2004 at 8 PM

    SUNDAY, MAY 16, 2004 at 2 PM

    Walt Disney Concert Hall

    111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles

    LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC

    ROBERT SPANO, conductor

    ANDRÉ WATTS, piano

    COPLAND Symphonic Ode

    MacDOWELL Piano Concerto No. 2

    DVORÁK Symphony No. 9, "From the New World"

    Upbeat Live pre-concert events take place one hour prior to each concert in BP Hall at Walt Disney Concert Hall, and are free to all ticket holders. The noted music writer Michael Steinberg hosts.

    Tickets ($15 - $120) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card phone order at 323.850.2000. When available, choral bench seats ($15), will be released for sale to selected Philharmonic, Colburn Celebrity Recital, and Baroque Variations performances beginning at noon on the Tuesday of the second week prior to the concert. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For all information, please call 323.850.2000.

    # # #

  • Contact:

    Sabrina Skacan, 213.972.3408; for photos: Beth Norber, 213.972.3409