I’ve been to the Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA many times but it’s always in its most festive glory during the holidays. The LA Philharmonic plays there after finishing its summer run at the Hollywood Bowl as well as the LA Master Chorale and performance groups including top organists.
If you have time, take a walk through Grand Park especially during the holidays when it’s lit up with lights.
The building 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 decked out in warm Douglas fir with a blue-sky window in the ceiling.
Lillian Disney, along with many other individual and corporate donors have made it possible to bring together musicians and performers from all over the world.
Acoustically, it’s a sophisticated venue for the many concerts and performances that take place there during the year.
Often musicians will do preview performance meet and greets on the first floor to talk about their work before the concert.
The 6,134 pipe organ at the rear of the stage is often referred to as “French Fries” because of its 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 located at 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Visit the Los Angeles Philharmonic website to find out about their upcoming events by clicking here.
Find the best literary, art & music tours in Los Angeles here
Where do you like to go to listen to concerts? Please leave a comment below.
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!
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.
Absolutely stunning! So wish I could see (and hear) in person!
Thanks, Diane,
It’s an amazing piece of architecture. If you’re ever in LA, make sure to see it.
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!
Thanks so much Lisa. They were so much fun to shoot. You’re right. Everything seems right when decorations and lights are sparkling.
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.
The seats were incredible, although the acoustics make it easy to hear from anywhere in the concert house. We really lucked out.
I have never been but you’ve certainly piqued my interest. It sounds fabulous.
You definitely should. The organ is spectacular too.
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.
Oh yes! Wrong turns can turn out to be wonderful! Glad you like the pics.
It looks like an exciting night. I’ve only been there once and I’d love to go back.
I hope you get a chance to one of these days Rena. They have so many wonderful performances at the Disney Concert Hall.