To All Buzz Readers: Wishing us all a 2023 that we can handle with calm and pleasure and continue enjoying some of the most creative minds here in Los Angeles.
The Hollywood sign and Disney Hall are two examples we’ve presented to the world that signify our talent and inspiration.
100 years ago, in 1923, the Hollywood sign (which started as an advertisement for the Hollywoodland real estate development) was built, and Walt Disney arrived in Los Angeles with $40 dollars in his pocket. Since then, the words Hollywood and Disney have attracted and inspired many of the world’s most creative people.
Fast-forwarding to the present day, we now have at least 11 outstanding art galleries moving into our general area. Many are in Melrose Hill and West Hollywood. Two of the galleries are Marion Goodman and David Zwirner. Hauser & Wirth will be opening its second space soon, in West Hollywood.
That means artists are still here now and more will be moving here. And that could mean a need for more restaurants and shops, creating a more vibrant economy. (I won’t comment on parking spaces.)
Disney’s draw for talent has always been in many fields, including technology and outstanding musicians. Two of the events coming up now at Walt Disney Concert Hall are:
MTT (Michael Tilson Thomas) Conducts Mahler 9
Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) has won six Grammy awards for his recordings of Mahler. The 9th was Gustav Mahlers last completed symphony that evokes a bittersweet contemplation of life and death.
Performance:
Friday, January 13 at 8pm.
Saturday, January 14 at 8pm.
Sunday, January 15 at 2pm.
John Adams’ Girls of the Golden West
John Adams’ opera “Girls of the Golden West,” is about true untold stories of California’s gold rush days. It is composed and conducted by John Adams and the directing and libretto are by Peter Sellars, who has said, “these true stories of the Forty-Niners are overwhelming in their heroism, passion and cruelty telling tales of racial conflicts, colorful and humorous exploits, political strife and struggles to build a new life.”
The opera is also a continuation of celebrating Adams 75th birthday.
Performances:
Friday, January 27 at 8pm.
Sunday, January 29 at 2pm.
For more information on Disney Hall go to www.laphil.com
Finally, we also have new spaces opening for contemporary music throughout the city. It does make you wonder what will be created in the next 100 years. We made it though ’22 and ’23 is starting to be exciting and adventurous.
PostScript:
MTT announced in March that he has a glioblastoma. I want to thank him for all of the joy he has given to the world and may he continue to.
Backstage with the Buzz is written by Sheila Tepper, Producer Cultural Programming. Sheila has lived in the Larchmont area for fifty years, among her passions have been passing legislation for children with disabilities and interviewing outstanding artists appearing in the Los Angeles area.
Good newsy article on good cultural programming. Definitely a must read by Sheila Tepper.
Whenever the Buzz comes out, I always look to read what she has to say.
I am so excited to hear about the new galleries coming to town! Thank you Sheila for your wonderful news.