Sometimes we get out of our geographic comfort zone, stay on the 134 a little bit longer, and head for points west, this time to the Hollywood Bowl. It’s not the Rose Parade, but it’s an iconic and envious Southern California way to spend a late summer evening.
And this year, the Bowl is celebrating 100 of those.
On Thursday, we were dazzled by the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s performance of Beethoven’s glorious and magnificent “Symphony No. 9,” also known as “Ode to Joy,” along with the US premiere of Samy Moussa’s “Elysium.”
The Los Angeles Philharmonic and LA Master Chorale were conducted exuberantly by guest conductor Eva Ollikainen, chief conductor and artistic director of the Iceland Symphony Orchestra.
Soloists Michelle Bradley, soprano; Rihab Chaieb, mezzo-soprano;
Joshua Blue, tenor; and Nathan Berg, bass-baritone, brought a range of colors to the inspiring Beethoven composition, while Ollikainen brought her own fiery spirit to her musical leadership, inspiring the orchestra and chorale to moments of pure ecstasy.
There’s more at the Hollywood Bowl this weekend, including a salute to film composer John Williams, now 90.
And it’s not just a summer thing. The Hollywood Bowl season runs through November. And it gets cooler, too.
It’s only 122 days until the Rose Parade.
