Los Angeles Philharmonic - Free Neighborhood Concert

Last night, Patrick and I went to a free concert by the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. I'm not sure how well-advertised these concerts are - I found out about this one from KPCC, which we listen to in the mornings, yesterday. Not even one day's notice seems either like they know that once word gets out they'll be guaranteed to have an audience (the LA Phil for FREE is an awesome draw, no?), or... they have crappy planning skills over there at the LA Philharmonic Association.

I'm going to assume it's not that one, though, because this concert was extremely well-attended, and rightfully so. We had a really nice time.

So the way this concert worked, by the time I heard about it, was that you could go to the Cerritos Center's box office starting at 6 p.m. last night to get "stand-by" tickets. I left work a half hour early because the 5 freeway south from East LA more times than not is a parking lot at 5:30 (my usual time to leave). I got off the 91 freeway at around 5:55, and following my Google Map instructions, went... in a giant circle. The shopping area where the performing arts center is never fails to confuse the heck out of me: it's a maze, and I almost always get lost. From the direction I came, too, I missed out on the big white signs that say "Box Office" (Patrick didn't, and thus had an easier time). Eventually I found it, though, and there were about 5 people already in what I thought was the stand-by line.

I went to the box office, however, and found out that there were still tickets available. I got my tickets, got in line, and waited for Patrick. He made it there from Downey much faster than I did from East LA (he's a speed demon) and eventually they let us in. (I'm not sure about the stand-by line, which did eventually make an appearance. I don't know if they got in or not.)

The rush for seats wasn't as bad as I thought it might be (we all had General Admission tickets), and while it might've been cool to have taken one of the boxes (the place has a million boxes!) instead we headed down to about the 8th or 9th row, just right of center. I didn't realize that the flute section would be pretty much right in front of me (the stage seemed awfully cramped; no way of knowing how the musicians felt about it, but I liked it - the orchestra looked like a giant black and white single entity at times; they put on a very spirited concert with lots of movement), so the conductor was blocking them most of the time, but that conductor (Manuel Lopez, a student, or former student?, of Gustavo Dudamel), was really fun to watch, so I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything.

So. 26-year old Manuel Lopez! I don't really know anything educated about conductors, so my comments (all my comments, not just about him) are just my own silly opinion. But that guy was thrilling to watch, and I bet, to play for. He seemed to me to be tall - at least, he has long, thin legs (and wore a beautifully tailored suit, very fashionable) and a huge head of hair - he looked great. His crisp white French cuffs were flying all over the place, his hands were big and lovely, and his body language was perfectly understandable and exciting. He didn't overdo it either, but he seemed very involved in the music.

Ah! The music! They performed four pieces: Huapango, by Jose Pablo Moncayo; Overture to La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie) and Overture to Semiranide, by Gioachino Rossini; and Symphony No. 7 in A major, by Beethoven.

I'd never heard Huapango, and according to the program notes (I think it would be a copyright violation to include them here but you can visit the LA Phil's website and I think they're there), the piece incorporates three traditional songs from Veracruz. It was very cool, and had lots of percussion and horns. We really enjoyed it.

The two Rossini pieces were equally exciting. I don't know what it is, exactly, about Rossini that I like. Maybe it's that the music is sometimes sort of cornball - so dramatic and visual; I always get a picture in my head. Maybe it's that it reminds me of Bugs Bunny and like everyone I'm just a ten year old at heart. Maybe it seems like Rossini had a sense of humor. I love the double-time fast parts and huge crescendos and the way everything fits together like a big moving piece of machinery. I don't know. But I really liked both pieces. The first one starts with these snare drum rolls, and what drummer and wife of a drummer wouldn't love that?

Watching the orchestra in that setting was really special, too. I've been to Disney Hall and the Hollywood Bowl and the Pantages and Dorothy Chandler, and I've had some great seats (and bad seats), but I've never felt like I could see the orchestra quite so well as at the Cerritos Center. They were right there, and seriously, last night they were rocking out. They really looked like they were having fun, and it was fun for me to catch some of their actions close up (I like the way the concertmaster almost stands up out of his seat sometimes while he's playing, or the way the bearded gentleman sitting behind him in the violin section taps both feet occasionally, or the way the guy sitting behind him would look at his stand partner every once in awhile). The cellos were pretty much squeezed into the first row, and I had serious fears that they were going to hit one another with their bows, but seeing all of them so close like that, with the varying colors of their instruments (all the different shades of honey) was great. And of course hearing them - there were some amazing little solos here and there - Sarah Jackson's piccolo is so beautiful and mellow. The horns were dead on and gorgeous. The percussion section was impressive.

I also like how they would light the concertmaster every time he stood up to tune the orchestra. That little detail reminded me of some of our light cues at City Garage, and I thought it was perfect.

Maybe it's because the floor seats at the Cerritos Center are on a slight incline, so I could see over the heads of the people in front of me, or maybe because we were very close, or it's a small place, or I don't know. I'm not sure how old the Cerritos Center is, but the decor is looking a little aged (Patrick compared it to a Hampton Inn), and I don't know anything about the acoustic properties, but with the lights out and the concert in progress, it was a very nice place to hear a big orchestra like that.

But then came the Beethoven, and it was the only thing I did not enjoy.

Most likely my lack of appreciation for Beethoven is a personal failing of my own and not Beethoven's, or maybe it was just this piece (the Allegretto was great, but everything else? B is for Boring) but I suddenly found myself getting very tired. The music just didn't capture me. I stopped paying attention, and started getting annoyed at little things unrelated to the performance (someone's hearing aid was beeping: I'm sure it had happened before but it didn't bother me until the third movement of the Beethoven; someone near us was tapping their foot so vigorously that the entire row could feel it). But this could just be me (though Patrick felt the concert lost something at the end too), because the crowd around us as we left were all raving and one lady in particular was in LOVE with the Beethoven, so what do I know?

Anyway, it was a fun night, fun to get out on a Wednesday and hear some amazing musicians - FOR FREE. If I hear about any more free concerts I will let you know.

On Saturday I'm taking my friend Sarah to Walt Disney Hall for another free concert, but this one (I just found out) isn't exactly a concert - I think there will be some discussion, too. Hopefully more playing. And Mr. Lopez will be conducting again, and I'm looking forward to that. Anyway, I have no idea if tickets are still available; at this point, if you're interested, you should contact them directly.

On Sunday there's another free concert at MacArthur park but the LA Phil website doesn't indicate how to get these tickets. I'd call if I were you, it's what I did yesterday to find out about the concert at the Cerritos Center. I spoke to Jackie, and she was extremely helpful, but I'm sure whoever you get will be helpful too.

General Information: (323) 850-2000

Upcoming flute stuff

Sir James Galway at Colburn on October 11th

The legendary "man with the golden flute" Sir James Galway will be hosting a day of master classes, coachings, Q&A sessions, and more in Colburn's Zipper Hall on Monday, October 11th. His wife, Lady Jeanne Galway, will also be hosting masterclasses for younger students (age 10-16). Please visit the Colburn School's website to learn more (including fees and registration information) about this amazing opportunity.
 
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The Los Angeles Philharmonic has been having free concerts and events that don't appear to be all that well advertised ahead of time. This morning on KPCC I learned of a free concert tonight (yes, tonight) at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center, and sometime last month I received an email at work about a free concert this Saturday. I've already got my tickets for Saturday, and will be attempting to get in line at 6 p.m. tonight for stand-by tickets for tonight - it means leaving work early and fighting traffic, but they're playing Rossini, and I love Rossini! It's going to be cool to see the LA Phil for free, and though the Saturday concert is advertised as a concert for kids, I still think it's going to be a good time. And I'm taking my friend Sarah, who hasn't yet been to Disney Hall!
 
KPCC also mentioned a free concert at MacArthur Park but I haven't seen any information about that one, yet. If you have, let me know!

Carnival of Venice for 24 Crossed Arms

This is crazy!

Convention interviews: now with links

I have to apologize for getting these interviews posted so late. The flute convention was last month, and I asked people from flute choir who attended to answer a few questions. I didn't think it would take me so long to get them posted.

I've added some links where I could find video or information from the people mentioned in the interviews. Enjoy!

Post-convention interview: Michael

Was this your first time attending the flute convention? If no, what keeps you interested in returning? If yes, will you go again? This was not my first time attending the flute convention. Flute conventions I have attended (and their attractions):

• Kansas City 1994
• Orlando 1995 (Disney World!)
• Phoenix 1998 (inaugural season of the Arizona Diamondbacks, at BankOne Ballpark aka the BOB
• Atlanta 1999 (Coca-Cola museum)
• Dallas 2001
• Washington DC 2002 (after 9/11/2001, Library of Congress, Smithsonian museums, Arlington Cemetery, Kennedy Center, numerous monuments and memorials, seat of national government, etc.)
• Nashville 2004 (Grand Ole Opry)
• San Diego 2005
• Pittsburgh 2006 (riverfront in Old Steel Town)
• Albuquerque 2007 (spicy chilies)
• Anaheim 2010

For me, the convention being held in different cities makes for an opportunity to tour and vacation in a new place every year. I will continue to attend the conventions.

Were there any performances that stood out for you in particular? Who was the performer and what did they play? The flute choir showcase of the Kirameki Flute Orchestra stood out above all the others – flawless and easy to listen to, including featured soloists’ cadenzas/highlights. (The Kirameki Flute Orchestra consists of professional flutists from major orchestras and ensembles throughout Japan. I recognized one of their members, a contrabass flute player, as having performed in a previous convention, with Concert Lumiere.

What was your favorite part of the entire convention? My favorite part of the convention is being able to meet other flutists, and occasionally offering tips/insight on selecting/purchasing a harmony (alto or bass) flute.

What special thing, if anything, did you buy in the exhibit hall? No purchases in the exhibit hall. I did pick up a free poster of the Kirameki Flute Orchestra. Tried mostly bass and alto flutes. (“I went to the convention and all I got was this T-shirt” J)

If you made a major purchase (flute, headjoint, etc.), what did you buy and what did you replace? No major purchase this year.

Is there anything else you'd like to talk about (concerning the convention, flute playing, the flute choir, etc.)? For some reason, I found myself volunteering/assisting/chatting with Kelly Via often (moving chairs and music stands before/after flute choir performances, handing out music at reading sessions, etc). Kelly is the NFA Flute Choirs Coordinator. I enjoy his flute choir arrangements; the Culver City Flute Choir has performed many of them.

Not to be over-saturated with the flute in four days, I have also taken diversions to Major League Baseball games, usually on Friday night, whenever they were easily accessible (Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves [cap night], San Diego Padres [hat night], and Pittsburgh Pirates [bobble-head night]).

Post-convention interview: Patrick

Was this your first time attending the flute convention? If no, what keeps you interested in returning? If yes, will you go again? Yes, it was my first time attending the flute convention and I plan on going again in the near future.

Were there any performances that stood out for you in particular? Who was the performer and what did they play? All of the performances were amazing so it's hard to say which ones stood out because they were all great; however, I really like Project Trio. And I'm sorry to say I don't remember what they played.

What was your favorite part of the entire convention? My favorite part of the entire convention was the first night's 8:00 p.m. concert just because the energy in the room was amazing.

What special thing, if anything, did you buy in the exhibit hall? Hahahahaha. I bought about $200 dollars of music at the convention. : )

If you made a major purchase (flute, headjoint, etc.), what did you buy and what did you replace? No major purchases for me, just a ton of music.

Is there anything else you'd like to talk about (concerning the convention, flute playing, the flute choir, etc.)? The flute convention was so unbelievably amazing seeing all of the different flutists and the different styles of music.

Post-convention interview: Julie

Was this your first time attending the flute convention? If no, what keeps you interested in returning? If yes, will you go again? This was not my first convention but my first since 2004. I have never been able to make it to all four days of the conventions but I've attended Columbus (2000), Washington DC (2002) and Nashville (2004). I'm hoping to possibly attend in Charlotte next year (Trevor Wye and Carol Wincenc are the lifetime achievement honorees) and I'm planning on going to Las Vegas in 2012.

Were there any performances that stood out for you in particular? Who was the performer and what did they play? All the performances were inspiring and wonderful. Even the weird modern stuff where the performer gets weird tonal sounds out of the flute. While that music doesn't particularly appeal to me, I'm impressed and respect the technique involved to make those sounds.

As for performances, I went to a Headliner Recital on Friday starring Nobutaka Shimizu. He is, without question, the best flutist I've ever heard. Beautiful tone, technically amazing, it was AMAZING. When he finished, the entire audience jumped to their feet. It was unreal. He was the biggest highlight for me.

The other favorite performance was the Friday night Gala Concert featuring the Lifetime Achievement Recipients Leone Buyse and Fenwick Smith. They both performed solo and a duet and it was fabulous to hear them play. The second half of the concert featured players who studied under them. Wow, they were great. The most impressive was the final performance by Marianne Gedigian. She played "Fantasy on Der Freischutz" by Raffanel. It was technically very difficult and beautiful (as opposed to some of the modern stuff that was performed) and she blew everyone else out of the water.

I attended a masterclass on Sunday lead by Michael Faust. He performed at the Saturday Concert and he performed modern stuff. That was just OK. The masterclass was outstanding. There were three students performing for him and his notes to these three outstanding flutists was inspiring. He knew the music so well, he had such a lovely personality and sense of humor, he was able to give notes that were helpful and not an ounce of "talking down" to these students. I stayed the entire 90 minutes and enjoyed it thoroughly.

I also attended a lobby concert on Sunday featuring the Davis Youth Flute Choir. They were mostly high school students and they were pretty good. What I wanted to see performed was the Brandenburg No. 4 for full flute choir, since this is my all time favorite piece. They did have some pitch issues (so do we at time so I wasn't throwing any stones) but I LOVED the piece. It's a challenging arrangement that had good, meaty parts for everyone. I'd love for us to play this because we could totally do it.

What was your favorite part of the entire convention? The concert with Nobutaka Shimizu what the highlight.

What special thing, if anything, did you buy in the exhibit hall? I didn't make any big purchases. I did buy some music of some of the pieces I had heard performed at the convention.

If you made a major purchase (flute, headjoint, etc.), what did you buy and what did you replace? I will probably take the plunge and buy a gold headjoint by the end of the year. In 2004, I tried a 10k Sankyo gold flute and it felt and sounded great for me. 6 years later, that's still the best sounding flute for me. So I played the rose gold flute which sounded great and then I tried the 14k gold flute which also sounded great, but too expensive. But I tried the 14k gold headjoint with my flute body and it sounded fabulous. So I'm working on saving up a little bit more and then hopefully I'll make that big purchase.

Is there anything else you'd like to talk about (concerning the convention, flute playing, the flute choir, etc.)? I'm glad I went this year after so many years off. Like everything else in these economic times, I thought it was "smaller" than what I remembered in 2004. I looked at my convention book from that year and there were definitely more activities going on. I remember really having a tough time choosing where to go because there were so many interesting events going on at the same time. This year, the event choices were all good, but it was easy to pick the one I wanted to go to. I didn't really play my flute this year other than the closing ceremonies. I was inspired by all the great players and if I'm able to buy the headjoint in the next few months, I'll be much happier playing my flute.

Post-convention interview: Gary

Was this your first time attending the flute convention? If no, what keeps you interested in returning? If yes, will you go again? First time.

Were there any performances that stood out for you in particular? Who was the performer and what did they play? Greg Pattillo. I didn't care for beat boxing until I heard him. He is amazing.

What was your favorite part of the entire convention? I really liked the master classes. It's amazing to see truly excellent musicians improve their performances so radically with just a few minutes direction from an expert.

What special thing, if anything, did you buy in the exhibit hall? Sheet music. Judy talked me out of a new flute, said I should learn to play the one I have first :-). I also got my wife a scarf with piano keys on it.

Is there anything else you'd like to talk about (concerning the convention, flute playing, the flute choir, etc.)? It was a great time, lots of music of all kinds, fun to shop, and fun to be around other flutists in our group. Wonderful performances.

Post-convention interview: Shannon

Was this your first time attending the flute convention? If no, what keeps you interested in returning? If yes, will you go again? I've gone every year since the Ohio Convention! I go every year I love being surrounded by thousands of flutists! It also gives me a chance to catch up with some of fellow flutist friends. I will definitely go again. 

Were there any performances that stood out for you in particular? Who was the performer and what did they play? I really enjoyed the concerto night! I also enjoyed helping Megan pick out a new flute.

What was your favorite part of the entire convention? My favorite part of the convention were the first 2 days. Don't remember much of second half as I was on vicodin.

What special thing, if anything, did you buy in the exhibit hall? I bought a new flute case cover, new flute bag, exchanged my flute/alto stand, and bought a very expensive book of chants for solo flute!

If you made a major purchase (flute, headjoint, etc.), what did you buy and what did you replace? My goal when I bought my current flute 8 years ago was to save up money to buy a all silver flute within 10 years. Well I have 2 more years to meet that goal...

Is there anything else you'd like to talk about (concerning the convention, flute playing, the flute choir, etc.)? Looking forward to next year's convention!


Shannon's Photos:

Shannon and a contrabass flute

Shannon and a bass flute

Megan and Patrick working on a duet

Megan and her mom in the exhibit hall



Judy tries an alto... or is it a bass?
It's awfully foreshortened in this photo.



Is that Julie playing her dream flute?

Looks like Judy is getting curious about wooden flutes!