Classical music in LA

Esa-Pekka Salonen, the current music director of the LA Philharmonic has a strong following in the city. Last Saturday, went to his final conducting at the Dorothy Chandler as the LA Phil will finish up the 2002-2003 season with a few more performances with guest conductors. When Salonen returns with the LA Phil in the Fall, it will be in the brand new Disney Hall

Last Saturdays program was Mahler's Symphony #3. This work has played a role in Salonen's career in that it catapulted him into international promenance when he at the last minute had to substitute for an ailing conductor in London. With a mere few days to learn the piece and work with the orchestra, the 24-year old Salonen led a performance that received critical praise and a star was born. Eventually, the LA Phil hired Salonen to take over the LA Phil and for his first concert at the baton, Maher's #3 was played. Since then, the LA Phil has played it several times and even had a CD made of the massive symphony. And so fittingly, to close out the LA Phil with Salonen at the wand, Mahler's #3 was played to a packed house.

I sat in the last row of the Upper Rear Balcony! There was hardly an empty seat in the house. And to my pleasant surprise, there were lots of young people that night.

The move to Disney Hall is a big one and one wonders if it will lift the LA Phil to new heights in terms of reputation and popularity. If subscription sales are any indication, I think it looks promising. If you visit the subscription page you will find a lot of the options are already sold out!