David Robertson and Orli Shaham Join the LA Phil for the West Coast Premiere of Steven Mackey's Stumble to Grace

Conductor David Robertson returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall to lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic in three performances: Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7, at 8 pm, and Sunday, April 8, at 2 pm. Pianist Orli Shaham joins to perform the West Coast premiere of Steven Mackey's LA Phil-commissioned Stumble to Grace, the composer's first concerted work featuring the piano. Also on the program are Britten's Four Sea Interludes and Ravel's orchestration of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. In a special promotion, concertgoers receive free admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art (located on Grand Avenue), by showing their concert tickets, April 5 through 7.

As the title implies, Mackey's new work suggests a pianist's journey from stumbling beginnings to graceful virtuosity, as well as "various stages of progress and regress in the physical and spiritual evolution of the piano." Ms. Shaham recently gave the East Coast premiere of the piece, which was written for her, with the New Jersey Symphony led by Jacques Lacomb.

A consummate musician, masterful programmer and dynamic presence, David Robertson has established himself as one of today's most sought-after American conductors. In fall 2012, he launched his eighth season as Music Director of the 133-year-old St. Louis Symphony; in 2014, Robertson assumes the post of Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of Australia's Sydney Symphony. Earlier this season, Robertson and the St. Louis Symphony embarked on a European tour, which marked the Symphony's first European engagements since 1998, and first ever with Robertson. In March 2013, they returned to California for their second tour of the season. Born in Santa Monica, Robertson was educated at London's Royal Academy of Music, where he studied horn and composition before turning to orchestral conducting. He and Shaham live in New York and St. Louis with their twin boys and his sons.

A musician recognized for her grace and vitality, Orli Shaham has established an impressive international reputation as one of today's most gifted pianists. Hailed by critics on four continents, Ms. Shaham is in demand for her prodigious skills and admired for her interpretations of both standard and modern repertoire. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has praised her "wit, passion, delicacy and humor", and London's Guardian has called Ms. Shaham's playing perfection." Shaham's performance schedule brings her to major venues and recording studios around the world. Regionally, since 2008 she has been curator and performer in the Pacific Symphony's chamber music series in Costa Mesa. Ms. Shaham records a wide variety of repertoire, most recently Hebrew Melodies with her brother the violinist Gil Shaham. Driven by a passion to bring classical music to new audiences, Shaham maintains an active parallel career as a respected broadcaster, music writer and lecturer. Inspired by her enthusiasm for introducing young children to the pleasures of music, in 2010 she created Baby Got Bach, a series of interactive classical concerts for young children.

Complete Program:

BRITTEN Four Sea Interludes
MACKEY Stumble to Grace (West Coast premiere, LA Phil co-commission)
MUSSORGSKY/RAVEL Pictures at an Exhibition

Upbeat Live pre-concert events takes place in Walt Disney Concert Hall's BP Hall one hour prior to each concert, and are free to all ticket holders. Composer/conductor/flutist Daniel Kessner hosts.

For full artist biographies, please visit: laphil.com/Exhibition

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