UCLA Symphony: Dvořák, Broughton and Bernstein
UCLA Herb Alpert School of MusicSchoenberg HallCharles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles 90095
UCLA Symphony takes over Schoenberg Hall for a full orchestral program that travels from Prague to Broadway. Dvořák’s Symphony No. 7 is the evening’s anchor, paired with Bruce Broughton’s Tuba Concerto and Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances” from West Side Story. It is a large-scale concert built around symphonic writing in sharply different registers: Dvořák’s weighty Seventh, Broughton’s concerto spotlight and Bernstein’s rhythmic, dramatic score drawn from the musical.
The UCLA Symphony is UCLA’s campus-wide orchestra, drawing its membership from across the university community. The ensemble performs symphonic repertoire under the leadership of advanced graduate conducting students, bringing students together for substantial orchestral works rather than a single department’s program. UCLA calls it a “remarkable all-campus orchestra.” A past listing described an ensemble “108 musicians strong” playing to “packed Hall Schoenberg audiences,” a sense of scale that suits this program’s sweep from Dvořák to Hollywood composer Broughton and Bernstein’s Broadway music.
The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music offers a refined concert experience in its 135-seat Lani Hall Theater, designed with advanced acoustic treatments that ensure clear sound from every seat. The venue features a raised stage with adjustable acoustic panels, creating an environment where both performers and audience members can engage deeply with the music. Events here range from student recitals to performances by renowned artists, often free and open to the public, with seating on a first-come, first-served basis. The setting encourages attentive listening rather than casual socializing, making it ideal for those who appreciate the nuances of live music. Located within UCLA's Westwood campus, the school also hosts a variety of musical series and festivals that celebrate global traditions and contemporary works, promising an enriching evening of artistry and culture.