This afternoon on the spur of the moment G and I decided to go to the Hollywood Bowl to see the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Not only is the Bowl about a 10-minute walk around the corner, but the cheap seats are $5.00! Off I went to the market to buy us a picnic supper: brie, cheddar, some roast turkey, grapes, salami, fresh bread, and a bottle of pinot noir. Loaded up the kit bag and off we went. It was a beautiful, cool, clear evening. The performance was as follows:

Artists:
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Miguel Harth-Bedoya, conductor
Arnaldo Cohen, piano
Program:
Copland: Billy the Kid Suite
Tavares: Piano Concerto "In Brazilian Forms," Op. 105, No. 2
Intermission
Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2

We weren't too crazy about the Rachmaninoff, though the second movement had its moments. The Copland took a little while to get going but was quite good when it did. The big surprise was the Tavares; never heard of him, but it was sprightly, interesting fare. The brass section of the orchestra was not very compelling, and kept kind of drowning in the strings; whether that is a fault of the players, the acoustics, the arrangement or the conductor, or a combination of all of these, I don't know, but the second trombone did blow a huge clam in the National Anthem, which began the night. I am used to being blown out of my socks by the Chicago Symphony brass section, so maybe the comparison is or my expectations were unfair.

Overall an extremely pleasant way to spend an evening, and dirt cheap too! The cheap seats at the Bowl are not that bad; they have video screens and everything. Although it must be said that next time, we will spring for the 75-cent cushion rental.

There are some more equally cheap concerts coming up. We're very lucky to have this place right outside our door! The Who even play there next week -- no cheap seats for that one, alas.

Now, to walk Boris and go to bed.