Blog | LA Phil

Mahler Madness in LA – One Fan’s Story

February 14, 2012 | Posted by LA Phil Staff in Los Angeles

musical notes

Editor's Note: Fan Fariba G. attended each of the 9 Mahler symphonies that made up The Mahler Project here in LA, including the performance of Mahler 8 at the Shrine Auditorium. She was kind enough to share her thoughts on Mahler with us. The above Mahler-inspired image, entitled "Mahler is Life," was provided via email by fan Elda C.

What can I say about Mahler's music? It's all about yearning, longing, gut-wrenching despair - it moves you like no other music. I think those who don't like Mahler's music are those afraid of allowing themselves to feel deep inside, to ask themselves questions of life and death and meaning. His music is abstract and can be interpreted many different ways, into many emotional layers.

For your "Mad About Mahler" Valentine, you can do two things - create a Mahler display like Judith did or get your Mahler fix this Saturday at a theater near you with LA Phil LIVE and Mahler 8. Better yet, do both!

Via email from Judith P.

Leif Ove Andsnes is Mad About Mahler

February 14, 2012 | Posted by LA Phil Staff in Los Angeles

While at Walt Disney Concert Hall for his recital last week, Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes was kind enough to take a few moments to talk about his Mahler Madness.

Andsnes will be back at Walt Disney Concert Hall next October for an all-Beethoven program with Gustavo Dudamel - part of the pianist's ongoing "Beethoven: A Journey" project - but prior to that, he'll be playing a selection of songs by Mahler and Shostakovich at several halls across the US before winging back to California in June to act in his capacity as Music Director for the Ojai Music Festival.

Caracas is Mad About Mahler

February 13, 2012 | Posted by LA Phil Staff in Caracas

It's safe to say the LA Phil's inaugural performance in Caracas was a success.

There's been no shortage of excitement surrounding the orchestra's first visit to the home city of Music Director Gustavo Dudamel. After all, the orchestra was warmly welcomed at the airport by El Sistema founder and Dudamel mentor Maestro José Antonio Abreu. The LA Phil's concerts in Caracas - ticket price $8 - sold out in mere hours. The energy surrounding the visit has been, as they say, electric.

However, according to all reports, the orchestra wasn't in any way prepared for the welcome given them by the audience for their first performance of Mahler 9.

Saying Farewell

February 13, 2012 | Posted by Robert Vijay Gupta in Caracas

Robert Gupta
LA Phil violinist Robert Vijay Gupta takes a moment to practice during a break at the dress rehearsal for Mahler 8 at the Shrine Auditorium

Editor's Note: LA Phil violinist and Senior TED Fellow Robert Vijay Gupta penned this post after completing the first performance of the orchestra's trip to Caracas - a performance of Mahler 9. In this post, he's saying farewell to the piece, but it also serves as a fine farewell to The Mahler Project from the orchestra.

Even the LA Weekly is Mad About Mahler!

Via the LA Weekly

Valentine's Day is coming up - what do you get for your Mahler-mad sweetheart? Well, if you happen to be in Caracas, how about some Mahler Chocolates?

Via email from fan Geri G.

Welcome Home, LA Phil!

February 12, 2012 | Posted by Rodrigo Guerrero in Caracas

"They are finally here..."

After so much planning and arrangements, meetings and discussions; after the wonderful time we spent in LA with spectacular concerts and tremendous successes, the LA Phil was greeted yesterday by an ecstatic Caracas audience.

And what a trip it's been! The Bolivars have been doing their part for The Mahler Project in their home town, with as much success as they had in LA -- beautiful audiences composed of all ages and walks of life gathered themselves in the José Felix Ribas Hall of the landmark Teresa Carreño Theater to bask in the brilliance and enormity of Mahler's works.

iHola Caracas!

February 11, 2012 | Posted by LA Phil Staff in Caracas

Maestro Abreu met the orchestra at the Caracas airport and shook the hand of every musician as they entered Venezuela. What an honor!

Bon Voyage!

February 10, 2012 | Posted by LA Phil Staff in Caracas

Well, the wheels are up, the seatbelt sign is lit and the orchestra is winging its way to Caracas to do The Mahler Project all over again!

The cargo - you know, little things like instruments - is already in Venezuela, accompanied by LA Phil Production Director extraordinaire Paul Geller. In fact, the equipment is likely already at the Teresa Carreño Theater in Caracas, patiently awaiting the arrival of the orchestra. The instruments won't have to wait long, though - the first performance of Mahler 9 is at 6:00pm Caracas time tomorrow night!

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