Von Otter and Ax in Los Angeles

By Matthew Richard Martinez, 23 January 2014

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Reviewed at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles on 21 January 2014

Works by Brahms

Mazzoli, Bolts of Loving Thunder (World premiere, LA Phil co-commission)

Muhly, So Many Things (World premiere, LA Phil co-commission)

Emanuel Ax, Piano

Anne Sofie von Otter, Mezzo-soprano

Weinberg rarity overshadows John Williams at the New York Philharmonic

Cameron Kelsall, 1st March

John Williams put butts in seats with the New York debut of his Piano Concerto, but the NY Phil's first performances of Mieczysław Weinberg’s Symphony no. 5 stole the show.

****1

Matthias Pintscher: a triple threat comes to Disney Hall

Néstor Castiglione, 13th November

Los Angeles Philharmonic audiences got a taste of Pintscher as conductor, concerto partner, and composer.

*****

Worthy world premiere of John Williams’ Piano Concerto at Tanglewood

Kevin Wells, 26th July

John Williams' new concerto evokes the spirit of jazz virtuosos, paying tribute to Art Tatum, Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson.

****1

New beginnings: Michael Tilson Thomas opens NY Phil season with Mahler

Kevin W Ng, 12th September

Michael Tilson Thomas' energy and wisdom remain undimmed in the New York Philharmonic's season opener.

*****

Brahms and Beethoven for (5000 and) Three

Rohan Shotton, 31st August

Yo-Yo Ma, Emmanuel Ax and Leonidas Kavakos hold a sold-out Royal Albert Hall to rapt attention for some astonishing chamber music.

*****

Tanglewood fellows impress in Strauss, Beethoven and Ives

Cameron Kelsall, 21st July

Andris Nelsons and Emanuel Ax find inspiration working with their young colleagues on an idyllic Sunday in the Berkshires.

****1

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Matthew Richard Martinez

A professional conductor living in Costa Mesa, California, Matthew received Bachelor of Music and MFA degrees from University of California, Irvine. An avid sports fan, when he’s not conducting or listening to music, he can be found cheering for his hometown San Diego Padres.

Von Otter and Ax combine for sublime Brahms in Los Angeles