For two nights next month, Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic will transport the Hollywood Bowl to the enchanting musical worlds of Carmen and Carnival of the Animals. The concerts—scheduled for Tuesday, September 3rd, and Thursday, September 5th—will also feature two pieces from Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra. Tickets for both nights start at just $1, but you can also win a pair during our upcoming giveaway. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to learn when the ticket giveaway begins.

Words: Steven Ward

Soak up all the passion of Carmen (minus the tragedy)

When Georges Bizet premiered his four-act opera Carmen with the Opéra-Comique in Paris in 1875, reactions from audiences and critics ranged from scandalous shock to relative apathy. Of its many, many contemporary controversies was the tragic fate suffered by its main character—voiced in this production by Operalia prize-winner Rihab Chaieb. Dudamel’s presentation skirts the act of violence that looms over the work’s finale to offer up the mesmerizing aural color, energy, and passion that have made it an internationally celebrated opera. Whether or not you’re familiar with the music and the story—adapted from a novella by Prosper Mérimée—everyone should experience the now centuries-old fervor of Carmen.

Treat your inner child to the whimsy of Carnival

Saint-Saëns conceived his lighthearted 14-part grand suite Carnival of the Animals in 1886 as a form of satirical entertainment for an impending Mardi Gras party. The spirit of its comical origins is embodied throughout, conjuring up the sounds of the animal kingdom via flute, clarinet, strings, glass harmonica, xylophone, and two pianos—manned by brother-sister duo Sergio Tiempo and Karin Lechner.

Hear a procession of lions, chickens, roosters, donkeys, tortoises, elephants, kangaroos, and more as they travel through the Hollywood Bowl, their movements as well as the wonder and playful humor they inspire captured in every sound. All of it culminates in the otherworldly beauty of its most famous section—The Swan—and an ecstatic finale that underscores Saëns’ (an animal rights activist in his own time) deep reverence for the magnificent and strange creatures we share our planet with.

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Hear the vibrancy of Spanish dance traditions with Fandangos and Alegría

Every season, the Hollywood Bowl has more than a few concerts that showcase the splendor of Spanish dance. This year, there is a surplus of incredible showcases going on—but here we celebrate the illustrious music of those traditions—one that finds Sierra reimagining fandangos from Antonio Soler and Luigi Boccherini as fiercely vivifying and dynamic. The second piece of his that Dudamel and the LA Phil will tackle is Alegría, a spirited illustration of his process of “tropicalization” whereby he melds together European modernism with Latin American folk. Both are breathtaking pieces that will leave you with a sense of the melodic and rhythmic beauty of both dances.

Take advantage of these ridiculously affordable tickets

No that wasn’t a typo. Tickets for Carmen and Carnival really do start at $1, and at that price point, there are ZERO fees. It might be a school night, but this would make a great concert to stay up past your usual bedtime. And if you’re a parent, this performance is ideal for introducing your kids to the magic of Dudamel and the LA Phil—Carnival of the Animals, in particular, is going to leave every child present absolutely delighted as they try to identify the different animal calls. Alternately, it would also make a great date night that’ll whisk you and your beloved to the exotic streets of 19th-century Seville. For tickets at just $1 a pop, you could also treat your family or friends to an inexpensive night of grand music, taking what you save to spend on food and drinks!

Hollywood Bowl helpful tips

Both concerts are during the week which means you will need to plan ahead when it comes to your visit. As with any performance at the Hollywood Bowl, it’s best to arrive at least 90 minutes before the show starts, and doors for each open at 6pm with the performance at 8pm. If you plan on driving, you’ll want to purchase those spots ASAP as there are several different lots with varying prices, uses, and distances from the venue—and they can also sell out.

Another option is to take a Park & Ride or Bowl Shuttle to the venue. Pick-up locations span Los Angeles, and prices range from $6 to $15. Those who use Go Metro can connect to a Bowl shuttle to finish their trip for free—if you want to avoid the headache of traffic, this is the option you should go with!

Don’t forget that you can bring in your own snacks and alcohol (except liquor) from home! The Bowl has plenty of picnic space for you to enjoy before your concert begins. Take advantage of everything the amphitheater has to offer. It is truly a grand experience.

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Be sure to take a glance at the rest of the Hollywood Bowl’s 2024 season for more incredible and affordable performances! If you’re considering seeing Carmen and Carnival with Dudamel you may also want to attend Pink Martini featuring China Forbes, Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience, Dudamel and the Stars of Opera, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music Sing-A-Long.