| Date and venue | Title |
|---|---|
| 4-Dec-2012 Walt Disney Concert Hall | Lutosławski and his influences: with the LA Phil New Music Group |
 At first hearing the idea of the music of Witold Lutosławski as the centerpiece of a Los Angeles Philharmonic “Green Umbrella” concert made a strangely incongruous impression. Music new or difficult is the usual fare of such a program. Lutosławski, who would have turned 100 next year (consider that the late Elliott Carter was composing up until his 104th year!), is neither new nor very “difficult” – whatever that may mean – for the most part. With nearly 20 years passing since the composer’s death, it would be difficult to argue a case for the “newness” of his music.Read full review... | |
| 28-Sep-2012 Walt Disney Concert Hall | Opening night with LA Phil and Dudamel a thrill ride |
 The total timing of the music on the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s season premiere was barely an hour long. On the page the line-up looked strange. First half: Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante défunte and the world premiere of a work by local composer Steven Stucky. The second half: Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Yet not only did the program on Friday, 28 September prove to be a fine one to formally open the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s season.Read full review... | |
| 26-Feb-2012 Lincoln Center: Avery Fisher Hall | Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony at Avery Fisher Hall |
 To paraphrase Richard Strauss’ advice to young conductors: “If you think the brass are playing too soft, ask them to play softer.” Manfred Honeck, music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony, clearly thinks that the brass can never play loudly enough. On Sunday he brought to New York his boisterous interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony, on a program balanced with two examples of more refined musical expression.
Read full review... | |
