Usually when a symphony by Czech composer Antonin Dvořák gets performed, it’s the 9th Symphony (also known as “From the New World.) The 7th Symphony, however, serves as the anchor for this concert on Thursday night at the Hollywood Bowl.
The 7th Symphony was a commission from the London Philharmonic Society in 1884. While the 9th is more popular, critics argue that it is this 7th Symphony that serves as the composer’s finest symphony.
Also on the bill is Dvořák’s “Overture to Vanda.” In between these two pieces are two works by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. First is the Violin Concerto in No. 1 in A Major performed by Martin Chalifour (Principal Concertmaster of the LA Philharmonic). The first half of the concert concludes with the composer’s “Havanaise,” which was written in 1887 for Cuban violinist Rafael Diaz Albertini.
Leading the LA Philharmonic for this one-night concert is Paolo Bortolameolli. He was a Dudamel Fellow in 2017 and now serves as the Assistant Conductor of the LA Philharmonic through the 2018-2019 season. The Chilean native is making a name for himself and this is a good opportunity to see what the buzz is all about.
Photo Courtesy of LA Philharmonic