The Rite of Spring with Salonen
Los Angeles Philharmonic, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Hilary Hahn
Walt Disney Concert HallSouth Hope Street, Los Angeles 90012
The Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, performs Steve Reich’s Runner, Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with violinist Hilary Hahn, and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring as part of the LA Phil’s Rituals festival. The program moves from Reich’s compact work through Prokofiev’s First Concerto to Stravinsky’s ferocious, rhythm-driven vision of pagan sacrifice.
Based in Los Angeles and founded in 1919, the LA Phil is known for pairing foundational repertoire with adventurous programming and for critically acclaimed recordings, including world premieres. The New Yorker’s Alex Ross called it “so far ahead of other American orchestras that it is in competition mainly with its own past achievements.”
Designed by Frank Gehry, this concert hall is a striking architectural landmark with sweeping stainless steel curves that catch the light outside, while inside, its acoustics are meticulously crafted to deliver rich, clear sound to every seat. The auditorium seats over two thousand people in a space where the audience is fully immersed in the music, surrounded by warm wood paneling and a stage that brings performers close to listeners. The venue hosts ticketed performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and other ensembles, offering an evening focused on attentive listening rather than casual socializing. Nearby bars and restaurants in Downtown Los Angeles provide options for pre- or post-show dining, but inside, the experience centers on the music in a refined, elegant setting.