Single tickets for the Hollywood Bowl went live in early May, so if you haven’t grabbed the seats you want, it would be wise to get moving. To help you maneuver the extensive schedule through the time-honored favorites like the Playboy Jazz Fest, movie-themed events like the annual Sound of Music sing-along and fandom-milking Harry Potter events, and stunt-casting spectacles like the Pentatonix appearances around July 4th, here’s our guide to this year’s Bowl experience for classical vocal fiends. The program titles below are ours, for descriptive purposes — click the links for official details and to grab your tickets.
July 13 & 18 — Beethoven’s Ninth
Dudamel, the Phil and the LA Master Chorale perform one of the most popular classical works ever, with vocal soloists Amanda Majeski (soprano), J’Nai Bridges (mezzo), Issachah Savage (tenor), and Ryan Speedo Green (bass). The program starts with Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man.
July 20 — Dudamel conducts Wagner
Stirring choral segments (by the LA Master Chorale) and instrumental selections from Wagner’s mythic music dramas: Tristan und Isolde, Tannhäuser, The Flying Dutchman, Lohengrin, and Die Meistersinger.
August 10 — Vivaldi extravaganza
Audience favorite Nicholas McGegan leads a program of Vivaldi hits, including the magnificent Gloria and the heartbreaking Stabat Mater, featuring the richly emotive voice of countertenor Tim Mead. Watch for Lister soprano Justine Aronson and the Pacific Chorale, as well as violinist Simone Porter and soprano Sherezade Panthaki.
August 22 — Holst’s The Planets
The ladies of LA Master Chorale join Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil for an early 20th-century orchestral/choral favorite. The program also includes a newly commissioned violin concerto from Icelandic composer Daníel Bjarnason, played by Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto.
August 24 — Mozart and Adams
The program begins with John Adams‘ Harmonium, and then Mozart’s Requiem will be performed with the LA Master Chorale, soprano Miah Persson, mezzo Christianne Stotijn, tenor David Portillo, and bass John Relyea.
They’re unlikely to appear before the bows of course, but for the record, the LA Master Chorale is led by artistic director Grant Gershon, and through the end of this season, Pacific Chorale is helmed by John Alexander.
…and now, for the disclaimer
Some of the text above is from the Phil’s website. And as they say, “Programs, artists, dates, prices and availability subject to change.” You’ve been warned.
Happy picnicking!
(What’s your specialty?)
