On May 13, the 2020 season of the Hollywood Bowl was officially cancelled for the first time in its 98-year history in an effort to protect artists, audiences, and staff from the spread of COVID-19. This series will allow viewers nationwide to experience iconic moments from the LA Phil archives at the Hollywood Bowl. Six episodes featuring the “best of” live performances from the past 10 years at the Bowl’s Summer Concert Series will be hosted by LA Phil’s Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel. IN CONCERT AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL premieres on Friday, January 22, at 9:00 p.m. on WSKG and on the WSKG app.
LA Phil’s Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel said, "While it was heartbreaking not to be able to share music together at the Hollywood Bowl this past Summer, having the opportunity to look back on these extraordinary concerts reminded us of everything that makes it so special and unique. These beautifully-crafted programs take us across genres and generations, from celebrations of Mexico and Hispanic Heritage Month to some of the most legendary Jazz, Pop, Broadway, and Classical artists, giving once-in-a-lifetime performances. We will return to the Bowl stronger than ever, but until then we can enjoy these magical moments."
Each week, viewers will be transported to a front-row seat with unprecedented access to musical performances and appearances from a star-studded lineup that includes Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and performances by well-known musicians/artists/celebrities that include Kristin Chenoweth, Audra McDonald, Bramwell Tovey, Sutton Foster, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Natalia Lafourcade, Los Angeles Azules, La Santa Cecilia, Dianne Reeves, Christian McBride, Chucho Valdes, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Kamasi Washington, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, Cindy Blackman Santana, Wayne Shorter, Misty Copeland, Pablo Ferrández, Vin Scully, Carlos Vives, Café Tacvba, Katy Perry, Pink Martini, Thomas Wilkins, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Diego El Cigala, John Williams and many more.
The Hollywood Bowl roster always features a broad variety of artists and genres, showcasing world-class artists ranging from classical and pop to jazz, rock and world music. The series features the return of legendary Hollywood Bowl favorites, as well as acclaimed artists making their Hollywood Bowl debuts, while celebrating the music from a diverse array of cultures and communities around the world.
Upcoming episodes of IN CONCERT AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL will air as follows (subject to change):
Friday, January 22 at 9:00 p.m.: “Hecho en Mexico” (“Made in Mexico”)
Featuring Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil performing Marquez’s El Nereidas de Dimas, Rodrigo y Gabriela with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil, Natalia Lafourcade with Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil, Los Angeles Azules with YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), and La Santa Cecilia.
Friday, January 29 at 9:00 p.m.: “Jazz at the Hollywood Bowl”
Featuring Dianne Reeves with Ivan Lins, Christian McBride, Chucho Valdes, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Kamasi Washington and Mega Nova (Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana and Wayne Shorter).
Friday, January 29 at 10:00 p.m.: “Musicals and the Movies”
Featuring Kristin Chenoweth with Kevin Stites and the LA Phil, Audra McDonald with Bramwell Tovey and the LA Phil, Sutton Foster with Brian Stokes Mitchell, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil.
Friday, February 5 at 9:00 p.m.: “Gustavo and Friends”
Featuring Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil performing excerpts from Swan Lake with Misty Copeland, Pablo Ferrández, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil performing a selection from Dvorak’s Cello Concerto, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil performing Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man, as well as Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil, Amanda Majeski, J’Nai Bridges, Issachah Savage, Ryan Speedo Green and the Los Angeles Master Chorale (LAMC) performing the finale to Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.
Friday, February 5 at 10:00 p.m.: “Fireworks!”
Featuring Katy Perry, Pink Martini, Thomas Wilkins, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Diego El Cigala, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil performing a selection from Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, plus John Williams and the LA Phil performing music from Star Wars.
Friday, February 12 at 9:00 p.m.: “Música Sin Fronteras” (“Music Without Borders”)
Featuring Vin Scully, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil, Carlos Vives, Café Tacvba, and Siudy Garrido Flamenco Dance Theater with the LA Phil and conducted by Paolo Bortolameolli
One of the largest natural amphitheaters in the world, with a seating capacity of nearly 18,000, the Hollywood Bowl has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922 and plays host to the finest artists from all genres of music, offering something for everyone. In February 2018, the Hollywood Bowl was named Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue for the 14th year in a row at the 29th Annual Pollstar Awards, and in November 2018 was awarded the Top Amphitheater prize at the 2018 Billboard Live Music Awards for the second consecutive year. For millions of music lovers across Southern California, the Hollywood Bowl is synonymous with summer.
Photo Credit: In Concert At the Hollywood Bowl