The LA Philharmonic’s Gustavo Dudamel will be bringing the lush life of Felix Mendelssohn’s incidental score for A Midsummer Night’s Dream to the Walt Disney Concert Hall on Thursday, Oct. 3, and Friday, Oct. 4. Although a feat of classical music, the show is a great opportunity for fans of the art form and their families to enjoy together, especially for younger children who might only be familiar with the “Wedding March” piece that has become synonymous with wedding ceremonies among the western collective conscience. Tickets are available now. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, where we will be giving out free tickets to the concert.
Words: David Sosa
Why A Midsummer Night’s Dream is so special
Inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, one of his most iconic plays that’s equal parts magical and absurd in its gleeful comedy, the show will bring Mendelssohn’s incidental music to the present. Unlike other Shakespeare plays that might be too much for younger audiences like Romeo and Juliet, the source material stands out for its lucrative yet gripping ongoings that the ensemble cast experience from start to finish. For a play that features so many characters, it’s only fitting that the show matches it in size, ranging from the video projections to the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
Who will perform at A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
Conducted by Dudamel, the world-renowned conductor and music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is taken from the compositions Mendelssohn created all the way back in the 19th century. Along with the video projections, Spanish actress María Valverde will narrate the concert in Spanish with English subtitles provided. The two dates will also be the world premiere of Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz’s Cello Concerto, Dzonot, played by Alisa Weilerstein.
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Great for introducing children to classical music
While kids may be familiar with Shakespeare through school, the show could serve as an entry point for families looking to give their children a glimpse at the world of classical music. The fairytale-esque setting of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be backed by the grand instrumentation and levity from the play’s many comedic moments. Even if they’re not familiar with the play itself, they will almost certainly be familiar with the “Wedding March,” an iconic piece so ingrained in millions of brains that seeing it live will surely prove its well-deserved place in music history.
Why the Walt Disney Concert Hall is iconic
The show may be the main reason for attending the Walt Disney Concert Hall, but the venue alone is worth visiting. Whether admiring the deconstructivist architecture of the building or the grandeur of the actual hall itself, there’s a reason the space is only reserved for classical music or artists with enough prestige to match the venue. With food options waiting right when you walk in, there’s also the garden located in the back that adds to the experience, especially if you plan on getting to the Concert hall early. In other words, the trip will round out the overall experience you’ll get from watching A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
There’s a lot more that the Walt Disney Concert Hall offers all year round. On top of the many shows that Dudamel is part of, including the upcoming Día de Los Muertos concerts on Nov. 1, 2, and 3, other composers also grace the hall. Legendary composer John Williams and Dudamel co-curated An Evening of Film & Music: From Mexico to Hollywood, running from Oct. 25 through Oct. 27.
