I’ve been to the Disney Concert Hall in downtown L.A. many times but it’s always at its most festive during the holidays. The Los Angeles Philharmonic plays there after finishing its summer run at the Hollywood Bowl as well as the LA Master Chorale and other performance groups.
Find more things to do and where to stay near Downtown, Los Angeles, here.
Before you arrive, take a stroll through Grand Park especially during the holidays when it’s lit up with lights.
The Disney Concert Hall was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. It’s stunning to look at from the outside with its remarkable curved stainless steel concept design. The inside is equally spectacular covered in warm Douglas fir with a blue-sky-lit window above.
Lillian Disney was among many other individual and corporate donors that have made it possible to bring together musicians and performers to this performance venue from all over the world.
The concert hall has a sophisticated acoustic system that enhances the many concerts and performances that take place during the year.
Musicians will often do meet and greets and mini concerts on the first floor before their performances to talk about their work.
The 6,134 pipe organ at the rear of the stage is often referred to as “French Fries” because of the way they look. Organ builder Manuel Rosales designed it in collaboration with Frank Gehry and top organists come to play there. If you can catch one of their fabulous organ concerts it is always a treat.
The Disney Concert Hall is 2 blocks from the Broad Museum and across the street from The Music Center. It is located at 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Find Upcoming Disney Concert Hall Events, here.
Susan Williams
It’s fun to see this post, because when my husband and I traveled to LA to attend the Daytime Emmys, we stayed at the Biltmore Hotel, had a view of Grand Park, walked around down there, and then over to the Disney Auditorium, where we snuck inside for a peak! Such a memorable, wonderful trip! Sweet memories! Sounds like you really enjoyed your visit as well!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski
I love the Biltmore! That must have been fun to stay in. We always enjoy going downtown for special events like this. Sounds like your trips was amazing too.
Diane
Absolutely stunning! So wish I could see (and hear) in person!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski
Thanks, Diane,
It’s an amazing piece of architecture. If you’re ever in LA, make sure to see it.
Lisa Carpenter
Beautiful shots! And what a grand venue! There’s nothing better than a Christmas concert to make all seem right with the world, if even for a little while. How lovely, Rebecca!
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski
Thanks so much Lisa. They were so much fun to shoot. You’re right. Everything seems right when decorations and lights are sparkling.
Leanne
It looks (and I bet it sounded) fantastic. You were really fortunate to have those tickets come your way – and to be in such great seats would have been the icing on the cake.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski
The seats were incredible, although the acoustics make it easy to hear from anywhere in the concert house. We really lucked out.
Carol Cassara
I have never been but you’ve certainly piqued my interest. It sounds fabulous.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski
You definitely should. The organ is spectacular too.
Dawn Engler
Rebecca, Don’t you love when the wrong turns give you something to see you would have otherwise missed? Makes you wonder if they are ever really wrong turns. Beautiful pictures.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski
Oh yes! Wrong turns can turn out to be wonderful! Glad you like the pics.
Rena McDaniel
It looks like an exciting night. I’ve only been there once and I’d love to go back.
Rebecca Forstadt-Olkowski
I hope you get a chance to one of these days Rena. They have so many wonderful performances at the Disney Concert Hall.