Walt Disney Concert Hall

Have had the pleasure of going there three times since it has opened.

The place is a treat for the eyes and ears.

For the eyes, the metal curves are quite something to see. But what I also enjoy is how that provides foreground for what is nearby. Walking along Grand Avenue and seeing the shape of Disney Hall with the more classic looking Dorothy Chandler behind is nice. Strolling in the park on the Garden level you see the shapes of the Hall and the city lights of Downtown skyscrapers.

The interior with the Douglas fir all around and the orchestra stage so close is a treat. You can see the musicians doing their work and how much fun Salonen is having while conducting.

And of course, there is the sound. It is a two-edged sword that the rooom is so "live." People rustling with their programs and coughing is very noticible. In the old Dorothy Chandler, there was always an ambient amount of coughing between movements that was like white noise. Now, it is quite noticible. In particular, in a December concert I attended during the cold and flu season, I almost burst out laughing at the amount of coughing going on.

But when everyone is quiet and one or two instrumentalists are carrying the notes of the program with their fingers or measured breaths, it is heavenly. Hearing the bassons do the opening to Rite of Spring, the oboes and other woodwinds in Beethoven's Symphony #5 and the harp in Symphonie Fantastique... wow!

The Hall is alive with the sound of music! I just had to write that!!

And it isn't just the quiet parts where it shines but also when the whole orchestra is involved as in some of the more volitile passages of Rite of Spring or Symphonie Fantastique or the triumphant finish to Beethoven's Symphony #5. The instruments remain distinct and it isn't just a noise piled on noise. You feel like you are swimming in it.

Finally, I have to say I have a new appreciation for the bass violin. They have been playing all along in the Dorothy Chandler but now in Disney Hall, I notice them and love that deep rich sound they make.

Getting LA Phil tickets is not easy. World music programing and Jazz is also selling out regularly. Call for last minute cancelations or check EBay. Limited number of seats are still to be had for the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

In addition to the grand opening of Disney Hall, the LA music lovers will celebrate the new shell at the Hollywood Bowl. Will blog about that this summer!