Walt Disney Concert Hall
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (323) 850-2000
- Cross Street:
- Between Second Street and Third Street
- Specialties:
- Live Music Venue
- Hours:
- Box office: Tue-Sun 12pm-6pm
Editorial Review for Walt Disney Concert Hall – by Jennifer Schwartz
Overview
The stage is set for a classical-music renaissance in L.A., thanks to this state-of-the-art venue. Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, the curved, stainless-steel exterior adds a modern sheen to downtown's historic Bunker Hill. Inside, the main hall is a wonder of aesthetics and acoustics. Rippling Douglas fir ceilings create a sense of movement, while adding warmth and resonance to sound quality. The 2,265 seats are arranged in a terraced, "vineyard"-style design to further enhance the aural and visual experience.
The Experience
Along with the main hall, the five-story venue houses the BP Hall, a more intimate space for special events; and the REDCAT, a 250-seat theater and art gallery operated by CalArts. There's also a gift store and two dining options--Joachim Splichal's renowned Patina restaurant and the casual Concert Hall Cafe. Outside, two small amphitheaters host special performances, while landscaped gardens provide an oasis of natural beauty amid downtown's concrete jungle.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoPatina offers special pre-performance prix-fixe menus, as well as post-show seatings. Reservations are recommended.
The ExtrasActor John Lithgow narrates a comprehensive, self-guided audio tour for $10. One-hour guided tours are available for $15 per person. Check the website for schedules.
Fun FactThe building's unique blooming-flower shape is a tribute to Walt Disney's late wife Lillian, an avid gardener and floral enthusiast.
User Reviews for Walt Disney Concert Hall
01/23/2008 Posted by aroseisarose
No Emperor Concerto because the featured pianist cancelled? Never fear, you can hear Beethoven's 4th instead! Not what you paid for? Doesn't matter because all programs and artists are subject to change. They don't tell you that when they promote the event and take your money. Once you pay for your ticket, you are a captive to whatever LA Phil chooses to offer you. So don't be fooled by the promotion or the meaningless words on your ticket. We waited for three months and drove for three hours to hear the great Emperor Concerto only to be met by a sterile placard announcing the "program change." When a feature artists cancels, LA Phil should call a spade a spade and offer disappointed patrons a refund!
Pros: beautiful building
Cons: treats patrons like captive sheep
01/23/2008 Posted by savetheplanet
With an impressive program of concerts, from traditional classical to experimental, Disney Hall sets a standard for the nation. Dining also offers a range from Patina for quite a lot of money or the cafe for a quick and reasonably priced meal. As for the person who complained about not being able to bring in his or her 2 year-old, this is good news for the rest of us. I don't know of a concert hall in this country that would allow a 2-year old. Call it etiquette, good breeding, good manners, it pretty much goes without saying that this isn't done. But if you don't want to stand on ceremony, there's a good common sense reason why this isn't done. Why expect a child of that age to be quiet and still for hours on end? It's not fair to the child or to the other audience members. For a parent to expect to bring in a child under 2, well this is a level of entitlement that surpasses all consideration for others. For the rest of you readers, you'll be happy to know that your concert will not be interrupted by an adorable but unhappy child, put into an unfair situation by his or her entitled parents.
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