In Wednesday’s (7/29) Los Angeles Times , David Mermelstein writes, “What goes up must come down, and that certainly holds true for the huge L.A. Philharmonic banners that flank the Walt Disney Concert Hall that herald the orchestra’s changing of the guard. … For the last six seasons, the earnest visage of Esa-Pekka Salonen, in various incarnations, gazed into the beyond. But as of early Tuesday morning, the Philharmonic’s longest-serving music director no longer guards the entrance to the orchestra’s administrative offices. His mug has been replaced with that of a more exuberant character, 28-year-old Gustavo Dudamel, who officially becomes the 11th music director of the Philharmonic in September. … The most striking element is the fuchsia that dominates the top of the Grand Avenue banner, perhaps suggesting not only Dudamel’s flair on the podium, but also his Latin heritage, which in turn is underscored by the word Pasión (Spanish for passion) in letters even bigger than the conductor’s name. And as if that weren’t enough, there’s the central image: a looming above-the-waist shot of Dudamel, wearing white tie, his head thrown back, his hands spread wide and his back arched. Pasión, indeed.”
Photo credit: Sylvia Lleli
Posted July 29, 2009
