Program Also Includes Ginastera’s Variaciones concertantes and Stravinsky’s Petrushka

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2010, AT 8 PM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010, AT 8 PM
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2010, AT 2 PM

February 21 Media Sponsor: KCET

Charles Dutoit leads the Los Angeles Philharmonic and acclaimed Russian pianist Nikolai Lugansky in three concerts of Maurice Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand on Friday, February 19, and Saturday, February 20, at 8 p.m., as well as Sunday, February 21, at 2 p.m. Also on the program are Alberto Ginastera’s Variaciones concertantes and Igor Stravinsky’s Petrushka.

All three performances begin with Ginastera’s Variaciones concertantes. Composed in 1953 during a difficult time for Ginastera, the work reflects his subjective perspective on Argentine music. As the composer himself commented, “Instead of employing folkloric materials, an Argentine atmosphere is obtained by the use of original melodies and rhythms.”

The program continues with Nikolai Lugansky joining the LA Phil for Ravel’s Concerto for the Left Hand. The piece was commissioned by concert pianist Paul Wittgenstein, who lost his right arm in combat on the Russian front during World War I. Choosing to pursue his career despite his injury, he approached many great composers to create music for the left hand alone. Not easily pleased, Wittgenstein was quite critical of music received from Strauss, returned a work from Prokofiev and even rebuked Ravel’s concerto, which is considered the finest contribution to this unique repertoire. When Ravel refused to revise it, the pianist performed it as written for its 1931 premiere in Vienna.

Concluding all three performances is the 1911 version o f Stravinsky’s Petrushka, his second collaboration with Sergei Diaghilev (The Firebird being their first). While The Firebird was unquestionably a huge success, Petrushka brought the pair its first multimedia success and freed Stravinsky to put his own stamp on Parisian musical life. Of the main character, Stravinsky commented, “…my Petrushka is turning out each day completely new and there are new disagreeable traits in his character, but he delights me because he is absolutely devoid of hypocrisy.”
Charles Dutoit was recently appointed Chief Conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra as well as Principal Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. He regularly collaborates with the world’s pre-eminent orchestras and soloists and is renowned for polished and idiomatic interpretations of an eclectic array of musical styles. A globetrotter motivated by his passion for history and archaeology, political science, art and architecture, Dutoit has traveled in all 196 nations of the world.
Nikolai Lugansky has been hailed as the "next" in a line of great Russian pianists by his former teacher, the renowned Tatiana Nikolayeva. He has been described as "a pianistic phenomenon of exceptional class" by the Netherlands' NRC Handelsblad and as "riveting" and "stand out" by London's Telegraph. He made his American debut at the Hollywood Bowl in 1996 as a part of a tour with the Kirov Orchestra and Valery Gergiev.
Each concert is preceded by Upbeat Live discussions which are free to ticket-holders, and occur in BP Hall one hour prior to the performances. Alan Chapman, KUSC-FM radio host, composer-lyricist and pianist, hosts.

For full artist biographies, please visit:  http://www.laphil.com.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the vibrant leadership of Gustavo Dudamel, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable locations anywhere to experience music – Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association’s involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational concerts, children's programming and community concerts, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2010, AT 8 PM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2010, AT 8 PM
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2010, AT 2 PM
WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL
111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
Charles Dutoit, conductor 
Nikolai Lugansky, piano

GINASTERA             Variaciones concertantes
RAVEL                     Concerto for the Left Hand     
STRAVINSKY           Petrushka 

February 21 Media Sponsor: KCET

The concerts are preceded by Upbeat Live discussions which are free to ticket-holders, and occur in BP Hall one hour prior to the performances. Alan Chapman, KUSC-FM radio host, composer-lyricist and pianist, hosts.

Tickets ($42 - $160) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. When available, choral bench seats ($17) will be released for sale to selected Philharmonic, Colburn Celebrity Series, and Baroque Variations performances beginning at noon on the Tuesday of the second week prior to the concert. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.