Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles

Posted by Brian Cheney (M) on May 31, 2012 at 12:53:21

I'm a sucker for anything Disney: both parents worked at the Burbank studio during the 1950's, and I spent many happy young years running around there. I even met Walt once and shook his hand.

It appears the Walt Disney Company made a substantial contribution funding construction of this new home of the LA Phil, so I should have loved it. Well, some parts yes. But the exterior (all massive aluminum baffles) is bulky and unfriendly. Actually, it's hideous. Architect Frank Gehry may be some kind of local celebrity, but on the outside his much praised masterwork repulses. Inside it's merely confusing: if not for helpful ushers I would not have located my seat in the side balcony. Arriving there I found no legroom and suffered much discomfort because of it. My advice, if you're big or tall, is to wear kneepads and shinguards. You'll be sorry if you don't

The hall's interior is striking, however. Construction appears almost entirely of wood, with upholstered seating. Nonparallel surfaces abound, including orchestra seats divided into sections by high curved walls. The ceiling swoops and bends as well, and side walls bulge, giving the overall appearance of an oldtime sailing vessel. The organ loft is covered with long upward-thrusting 8x8" beams, as if the building were in motion, crashing through the waves. There is seating behind and above the orchestra (which I did not try), a feature I am fond of.

Sonically, I don't recall encountering a better-listening hall anywhere. The orchestra was clear, well deliniated, and loud. Solo instruments stood out (mandolin, harpsichord, strings). Bass was deep, powerful, and well defined. The LAPO sounds world-class, or better. I guess Mr. Gehry deserves his celebrity, if this interior was his doing. Kudos all around to those involved.

I just wish they'd take out a few rows of seats and give the paying customers some room to stretch. Maybe I'll write management a letter.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Topic - Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles - Brian Cheney 12:53:21 05/31/12 (22)

Just heard a concert there last week - E-Stat 08:48:46 06/13/12 (0)

RE: Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles - Analog Scott 23:16:09 06/02/12 (0)

RE: Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles - Botanico92007 19:20:41 06/01/12 (0)

I remember the stories of the exterior panels heating up nearby apartments & condos... - Russell 08:46:47 06/01/12 (0)

Bambi's reaction to Disney Hall - Paul_A 17:37:26 05/31/12 (6)

Whatever Happened To Bambi? [nt] - Mike Porper 09:12:38 06/01/12 (2)

Top Ten Possiblities - Mike Porper 11:16:55 06/01/12 (1)

Those are good possibilities! [nt] ;-) - Chris from Lafayette 14:39:44 06/01/12 (0)

RE: Bambi's reaction to Disney Hall - Thornhill 18:58:49 05/31/12 (0)

RE: Bambi's reaction to Disney Hall - Brian Cheney 18:51:55 05/31/12 (0)

RE: Screech and Roar - genungo 18:28:44 05/31/12 (0)

Well, At Least It's Not Amplified - Mike Porper 16:07:10 05/31/12 (1)

RE: Well, At Least It's Not Amplified - Chris from Lafayette 09:47:19 06/02/12 (0)

RE: Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles - Thornhill 13:53:21 05/31/12 (8)

Some (not all) of the Disney Hall seats. . . - Chris from Lafayette 16:43:44 05/31/12 (0)

Avery Fisher Hall - John Marks 14:40:17 05/31/12 (6)

RE: Avery Fisher Hall - Thornhill 18:51:38 05/31/12 (5)

What you describe is the rationale of The Boston Pops - John Marks 07:31:28 06/01/12 (4)

Not quite on Philadelphia - Thornhill 10:40:03 06/01/12 (3)

RE: Not quite on Philadelphia - Todd Krieger 22:14:37 06/01/12 (2)

"Horses for Courses." - John Marks 13:14:47 06/02/12 (0)

RE: Not quite on Philadelphia - Thornhill 08:34:11 06/02/12 (0)

Walt Disney Concert Hall Los Angeles

Post a Message!