The LA Phil Presents PORGY AND BESS On The Hollywood Bowl Stage 7/19

The LA Phil presents Porgy and Bess, a tale of early 20th-century African-American life, deep in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, on the Hollywood Bowl stage July 19, at 7:30 PM. Principal Guest Conductor Bramwell Tovey leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Pacific Chorale in the well-known songs of this American classic including "Summertime" and "It Ain't Necessarily So."

Since its 1935 debut on Broadway, this score has been a perennial favorite. This presentation includes bass-baritone AlFred Walker as Porgy, who is gaining world-wide recognition for his operatic repertoire, and famed soprano Marquita Lister, who says, "I've had a long love affair with Porgy and Bess and have sung with the great Porgys of my generation..." Gregg Baker is world renowned for his portrayal of Crown and the radiant voice of Lisa Daltirus lends itself to Serena. Nicole Cabell and Gwendolyn Brown breathe life into Clara and Maria and Leon Williams takes on Jake while Jermaine Smith brings the spice with Sporting Life.

This concert begins the Sunday Sunset series at the Bowl and benefits the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Musicians Pension Fund.

For bios please visit Hollywoodbowl.com

One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the HOLLYWOOD BOWL has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922, and is home to the best and brightest in all genres of music. The 2004 season introduced audiences to a revitalized Hollywood Bowl, featuring a newly-constructed shell and stage and the addition of four stadium screens enhancing stage views in the venue. To this day, $1 buys a seat at the top of the Bowl for many of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's concerts. While the Bowl is best known for its sizzling summer nights, during the day California's youngest patrons enjoy "SummerSounds: Music for Kids at the Hollywood Bowl," the Southland's most popular summer arts festival for children, now in its 42nd season. In January 2009, the Hollywood Bowl was named Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue for the fifth year in a row at the 20th Annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards; the Bowl's summer music festival has become as much a part of a Southern California summer as beaches and barbecues, the Dodgers, and Disneyland.

SUNDAY, JULY 19, 2009, at 7:30 PM
HOLLYWOOD BOWL 2301 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90068

Porgy and Bess

Los Angeles Philharmonic
Bramwell Tovey, conductor
AlFred Walker, Porgy
Marquita Lister, Bess
Gregg Baker, Crown
Lisa Daltirus, Serena
Nicole Cabell, Clara
Gwendolyn Brown, Maria
Leon Williams, Jake
Jermaine Smith, Sporting Life
CAlvin Lee, Mingo/Nelson/Crab Man
Ralph Cato, Robbins
DeReau K. Farrar, Frazier
Ashley Faatoalia, Peter
Leberta Lorál, Annie
Helen Goldsby Qahhar, Lily/Strawberry Woman
Wilkie Ferguson, Jim/Undertaker/Scipio
Matthew Elkins, Archdale/ Coroner
William Dennis Hunt, Detective
David Paterson, Policeman
Pacific Chorale, John Alexander, artistic director

Media Sponsor: KCET

Tickets ($10-$116) are on sale at the Hollywood Bowl Box Office, HollywoodBowl.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 1.800.745.3000, and at all Ticketmaster outlets. Groups of 10 or more may be eligible for a 20% discount, subject to availability; call 323.850.2050 for further details. For general information or to request a brochure, call 323.850.2000.