Chopin’s First Piano Concerto with Hayato Sumino
Los Angeles Philharmonic, Louis Langrée, Hayato Sumino
Walt Disney Concert HallSouth Hope Street, Los Angeles 90012
Louis Langrée conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Mozart’s Serenade No. 10, the “Gran Partita,” followed by Hayato Sumino as soloist in Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Sumino returns to the orchestra after his 2025 Hollywood Bowl debut, which the Philharmonic called riveting.
The Japanese pianist, also known as Cateen, rose to global attention as a semifinalist in the 2021 International Chopin Competition. His playing brings together a well-honed classical technique, a fine arranger’s ear and strong improvisational skills; Sumino has described Chopin as an idol whose meticulously made music can sound as though it were improvised on the spot.
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.