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 a Rituals Festival program built around Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. The evening opens with Steve Reich’s Runner, then brings violinist Hilary Hahn to Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto before Stravinsky’s score closes the program with its ferocious harmonies and pounding rhythms.
The LA Phil is known for a commitment to contemporary music. Salonen has previously recorded The Rite of Spring with the orchestra; Hahn is a three-time Grammy winner, and Bachtrack has praised her “lush tone and affectionate shaping” in Prokofiev’s concerto.
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.