Ravel, Falla & Ortiz
Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Gimeno, Pacho Flores
Walt Disney Concert HallSouth Hope Street, Los Angeles 90012
The Los Angeles Philharmonic is led by Gustavo Gimeno in a program of Spanish and Mexican-inflected color, with Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores as soloist. The orchestra opens with selections from Falla’s El amor brujo, then Flores joins for Gabriela Ortiz’s Altar de Bronce, a metallic-themed concerto written for him. After intermission come Ravel’s Rapsodie espagnole and Suite No. 2 from Daphnis et Chloé, moving from its dream-like melodies toward its triumphant close. A free pre-concert Upbeat Live talk in BP Hall offers an introduction to the music.
Gimeno is presented here as a Ravel specialist, drawing on his Hispanic heritage and affinity for the French composer. Bachtrack has 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 and which makes room for improvisation amid tension and drama. Reviewing the work, Bachtrack singled out “the infectious dance rhythms of popular Mexican bands” and described Flores swaying with the music.
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.