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CULTURE OF THE NEWEST
The Los Angeles Philharmonic meets the challenges of pandemic-era programming with passionate energy.
BY LIBBY SLATE
LOS ANGELES Philharmonic music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel and CEO Chad Smith have worked together for more than a decade, since Dudamel began his tenure with the orchestra in 2009 and Smith, appointed CEO last October, oversaw program planning in other positions.
Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation of the L.A. Phil’s Walt Disney Concert Hall season through at least the end of the year, the two have stepped up their game to continue providing innovative programming for audiences while nurturing the talents of tomorrow’s musicians.
“We have always spoken about a ‘culture of the new’ in Los Angeles,” Dudamel says, “and we intend now to embrace that ideal with a renewed commitment and passionate energy.
Gustavo Dudamel, music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Under Dudamel’s leadership, says Smith, “we are finding creative ways forward during an otherwise uncertain time. We are leveraging established media partnerships, doubling down on YOLA [Youth Orchestra Los Angeles] and taking an ideas-driven approach to programming.”
Among the innovations: Sound/Stage, a weekly online presentation of concert films and related essays, artist interviews and performances recorded at the Hollywood Bowl and the Ford utilizing social distancing. One program features music from Power to the People!, the L.A. Phil’s social-justice-themed festival, which had to be canceled last spring.
“In Concert at the Hollywood Bowl,” a six-episode television series featuring previous Bowl performances, has been airing locally on KCET and PBS SoCal and goes national on PBS stations next year.
There will be worldwide radio broadcasts and streaming of previous L.A. Phil concerts, locally on KUSC, and the release of various recordings.
And with the L.A. Phil organization now operating the Ford, the smaller amphitheater across the Cahuenga Pass from the Bowl, that venue will host a series of streamed multicultural programs of new and previous performances, conversations, workshops and festivals.
Dudamel’s beloved YOLA—the program he founded that provides free musical instruments and instruction to students who would otherwise have limited access—has branched out digitally, presenting a free virtual symposium for young people and adults. YOLA student lessons continue online as well.
“The arts must now play a stronger role than ever in our new society,” Dudamel says, “and I join alongside all of our allies, never ceasing to hope, dream and work toward better times.
“The music we make is for everyone,” he adds. “It unites us in our diversity and comforts our souls in moments of crisis. I hope that our offerings delight and inspire.”
