The first program of our Composer Salonen concerts features beloved cellist Yo-Yo Ma giving the West Coast premiere of Salonen’s Cello Concerto. Our Conductor Laureate, Esa-Pekka Salonen, completes the program with one of Beethoven’s most exciting symphonies.

Salonen knew he was writing his Piano Concerto for a pianist with monster technique; Bronfman premiered it and returns to display his mastery of Salonen's effusive and virtuosic work.

Pre and Post-concert Events

Casual Fridays, Drinks in THE GARDEN and Upbeat Live
Leave your formal wear behind. Come early beginning at 6:30pm and enjoy complimentary drinks, spectacular views and more, then head over to the Upbeat Live pre-concert talk in BP Hall. After the concert, join the after-party with orchestra members for complimentary craft beer tastings courtesy of the Los Angeles Brewers Guild.

Leila Josefowicz, for whom Salonen wrote his Violin Concerto, returns for another blistering performance of this stunning work. Our Conductor Laureate also leads one of Beethoven’s most exciting symphonies.

The second program celebrating our Conductor Laureate as a composer concludes with the latest edition of his Wing on Wing, the piece he wrote for the opening of Walt Disney Concert Hall. Inspired by Frank Gehry’s sailing imagery – also the source of his title – Salonen takes full advantage of the orchestra and the Hall’s brilliant acoustics, such as placing sopranos across from each other in the Orchestra East and West sections of the audience. It’s a celebration in sound of a long-held dream come true.

Launching this marvelous program is young Norwegian violinist Vilde Frang, whose profound musicianship and unassailable virtuosity have already established her throughout Europe as a leading light in the music world. She makes her much-anticipated LA Phil debut performing Beethoven’s towering Violin Concerto, a masterpiece of noble lyricism, which set the bar for all such works to come.

Pre and Post-concert Events

Drinks in THE GARDEN & Inside the Music
Starting at 6:30pm, enjoy complimentary drinks and a spectacular view of the DTLA skyline from the Blue Ribbon Garden.  The Inside the Music pre-concert event begins at 6:45pm, on stage with Brian Lauritzen. After the concert, stay for a post-show Q&A with Brian and the artists.

Muhly’s new Organ Concerto will shake the rafters. Then, Ravel’s unparalleled orchestration of Mussorgsky’s aural pictures will bring down any rafters remaining.

Pre and Post-concert Events

Casual Fridays, Drinks in THE GARDEN and Upbeat Live
Leave your formal wear behind. Come early beginning at 6:30pm and enjoy complimentary drinks, spectacular views and more, then head over to the Upbeat Live pre-concert talk in BP Hall. After the concert, join the after-party with orchestra members for complimentary craft beer tastings courtesy of the Los Angeles Brewers Guild.