Gustavo Dudamel Leads the LA Phil and Alisa Weilerstein 5/6-8

Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director, Gustavo Dudamel leads the orchestra in three performances of two Romantic-era masterpieces - Dvo?ák's Cello Concerto and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, "Pathétique" - at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Thursday, May 6, at 8 p.m., Friday, May 7, at 11 a.m., and Saturday, May 8, at 8 p.m. The Los Angeles Philharmonic-commissioned work by Stephen Hartke, Symphony No. 4, which was scheduled for its world premiere in this program, has been postponed, and is replaced by the Dvo?ák piece, performed by American cellist Alisa Weilerstein. These concerts mark the 28-year-old Weilerstein's Walt Disney Concert Hall debut as well as Dudamel's final Walt Disney Concert Hall appearances of his debut season as LA Phil Music Director before he and the orchestra embark upon their American tour.

Dvo?ák's Cello Concerto was one of two works he composed during his last year of living in New York during his post as director of the National Conservatory of Music. He wrote it as a farewell to his gravely ill sister-in-law, with whom he had fallen in love years before marrying her sister. As such, the technically demanding, emotionally far-reaching Concerto is tinged with nostalgia and brooding melancholy.

The program closes with Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6, "Pathétique," his final symphony and a piece shrouded in mystery. By the time of its writing, the composer developed an unpublished program, but drew attention to the work by dedicating it to his nephew with whom he was in love. One of the many legends around the work is that Tchaikovsky's brother came up with the name "Pathétique" suggesting "impassioned suffering." Further adding to the mystery are the circumstances around Tchaikovsky's sudden death just a week after the world premiere. Had an accidental drink of cholera-contaminated water killed him or was it suicide? These questions remain unanswered.

Alisa Weilerstein began playing the cello at the age of 4 after her grandmother assembled a makeshift instrument out of cereal boxes for her to play with while she was sick with the chicken pox. She performed her first public concert six months later and made her Cleveland Orchestra debut in 1995 at age 13. Weilerstein has performed with the nation's top orchestras, given recitals in music capitals throughout the U.S. and Europe and appeared regularly at prestigious festivals.

The Thursday and Saturday concerts are preceded by Upbeat Live pre-performance discussions which are free to ticket-holders, and occur in BP Hall one hour prior to the performances. The Friday Upbeat Live discussion occurs on stage one hour and 15 minutes prior to the concert. Christopher Russell, Director of Orchestral Studies at Azusa Pacific University and Coordinator of the Orchestra Program at Orange County High School of the Arts, hosts.

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

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Gustavo Dudamel, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable locations anywhere to experience music - Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association's involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational concerts, children's programming and community concerts, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2010, AT 8 PM
FRIDAY, MAY 7, 2010, AT 11 AM
SATURDAY, MAY 8, 2010, AT 8 PM
Walt Disney CONCERT HALL
111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
GUSTAVO DUDAMEL, conductor
Alisa Weilerstein, cello

DVO?ÁK Cello Concerto
TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 6, "Pathétique"

The May 6 concert is generously sponsored by Acura - all Acura vehicles park free for the evening.
The May 8 concert is generously supported by Rolex - the official timepiece of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

The Thursday and Saturday concerts are preceded by Upbeat Live pre-performance discussions which are free to ticket-holders, and occur in BP Hall one hour prior to the performances. The Friday Upbeat Live discussion occurs on stage one hour and 15 minutes prior to the concert. Christopher Russell, Director of Orchestral Studies at Azusa Pacific University and Coordinator of the Orchestra Program at Orange County High School of the Arts, hosts.

Tickets ($42 - $160) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. When available, choral bench seats ($17) will be released for sale to selected Philharmonic, Colburn Celebrity Series, and Baroque Variations performances beginning at noon on the Tuesday of the second week prior to the concert. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.

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