Walt Disney Concert Hall

01/23/08

Fantastic cultural center. Thank goodness no children under 2 allowed!

by savetheplanet at Citysearch

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.

11/17/06

Fantastic acoustics

by museum_flavor at Citysearch

While I've long decried the outward appearance of the newest addition to the music center (not being a fan of Frank Gehry's architecture), what they say is true: the acoustics are divine. Perhaps it's all the wood. But I was also pleased to discover that while I don't care for the odd angles on the outside, inside they make for a wonderful game of hide-and-seek! In fact, as I meandered through the space, carved out into strange little nooks and magnificent caverns and even the occasional dead-end, I realized that the many chambers are not unlike that of a nautilus, curving in on itself and guiding one to the center, to the heart, where the music is heard and felt. I loved exploring the building and could have happily spent the whole night doing so. Fortunately the performance was great, too, though, so I wasn't sorry for the distraction from my wandering. Now my biggest complaint is not the architecture, but instead the teeny tiny seats with no leg room whatsoever. I was glad the show wasn't sold out so I could move to a slightly less claustrophobic area.

03/25/05

L.A. Philharmonic's majestic new home gives downtown L.A. a gleaming landmark.

by Contributor at Citysearch

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.

01/25/04

Stunning

by rrgeiger at Citysearch

Fabulous acoustics, excellent sight lines, every detail well thought out.

• Pros: Terrific location, Great acoustics, LAMC is the best
• Cons: Inadequate dressing