Our man at the helm of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel, who was recently named Music Director of the Paris Opera, has invited a few of his new-found friends, stars of the Paris Opera Ballet (“etoiles”) to perform classic and contemporary ballet repertoire on the Hollywood Bowl stage for the first time.
Preeminent dancers of the Paris Opera Ballet, foremost in the world for their impeccable training and artistry, will perform works by renowned choreographers including Rudolf Nureyev, William Forsythe, Angelin Preljocaj, Sharon Eyal and more. This special occasion only adds to The Hollywood Bowl’s significant dance history in our city, dating to its early years when dance pageantry there was a frequent occurrence. Now, the massive scale of a house of 6,000 seats may give pause to the people in the peanut gallery. Not to worry, the Philharmonic’s huge screens project images, so both bird’s eye views and closeups will be possible.
Dudamel, whose six-year contract in Paris starts in August, will continue as Music Director of the Phil through the 2025-26 season. That means he’ll be hopping — first the dirt, and then the pond — to Paris for double-duty as overseer of the operatic repertory there. Philharmonic CEO Chad Smith gave the Los Angeles Times his best spin on the situation, which was again quoted in the New York Times.
The marvelous French-born pianist, Jean-Yves Thibaudet will also solo with the Philharmonic at the Bowl.
We. Are. Going.
Dudamel and Paris Opera Ballet | Hollywood Bowl | Wed/Thurs, July 20/21