Ravel, Falla & Ortiz
Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Gimeno, Pacho Flores
Walt Disney Concert HallSouth Hope Street, Los Angeles 90012
The Los Angeles Philharmonic plays a program led by Gustavo Gimeno, with Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores as soloist. It opens with selections from Falla’s El amor brujo, followed by Gabriela Ortiz’s Altar de Bronce, the metallic-themed concerto written for Flores. After intermission, Gimeno leads Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole and Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé. The sequence moves through flamenco-inflected writing, Mexican dance rhythms and Ravel’s dream-like melodies, culminating in the triumphant buildup of Daphnis et Chloé.
Gimeno is presented as a Ravel specialist whose Hispanic heritage and affinity for the French composer inform this music. Bachtrack called his approach a “healthy dose of Iberian blood, sweat, and sexiness,” adding that he is “the perfect guide through the hypnotic haze.” Flores returns to the LA Phil for Ortiz’s concerto, which the Grammy-winning composer tailored to him. The work makes room for tension, drama and improvisation; Bachtrack singled out “the infectious dance rhythms of popular Mexican bands” and described Flores swaying along with the music. He has previously performed Arturo Márquez’s Concierto de Otoño with the orchestra, and has performed Altar de Bronce with the Galicia Symphony Orchestra.
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.