Funny how the guy with the skinny stick out front turns out to be the rock star and gets the best table at Spago’s. There’s a branding lesson in there somewhere for all of us.
Orchestras are something we all enjoy, in fact, many rock stars are classical-trained. In 2011, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra was in a deep financial crisis.
Kid Rock, in what he called “the best drunk move I ever made,” decided to throw a benefit concert. He raised over one million dollars for the symphony and helped save classical music in Detroit. So he deserves a shoutout along with our top philanthropist celebrities we love.
Vienna Philharmonic
The prestigious Vienna Philharmonic is a name synonymous with the grandeur of the orchestral tradition.
The Vienna Philharmonic is unfailingly faithful to the rich history of Western classical music.
The Berlin Philharmonic
Another of the old-school greats, the formidable Berlin Phil gave its first performance in 1882. The orchestra’s history has always been tied up with its chief conductors who have included Wilhelm Furtwängler,
Herbert Von Karajan, Claudio Abbado, and Sir Simon Rattle. This mighty orchestra is the epitome of refinement and grandiosity.
Their performance style is defined by enormous energy, zest, and flair backed up by outstanding technical agility. A veritable thrill to listen to, the Berlin Phil is a force to be reckoned with and one of the greatest orchestras in the world.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic
Or as the locals call it, The LA Phil. With their new home in the Frank Geary designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, how could they not play at a monumental scale? One hundred years ago the Los Angeles Philharmonic was founded as LA’s first permanent symphony orchestra.
A century later, the LA Phil is recognized as one of the world’s outstanding orchestras, leading the way in groundbreaking programming.
With creative direction currently from Gustav Dudamel, the LA Phil are chiefly renowned their extensive repertoire, from their captivating interpretations of Schumann, Bernstein, and Prokofiev, to their delves into pop music.
Perhaps one of the more forward-thinking orchestras, the LA Phil frequently dabble in other musical genres.
Their 2018 concert LA Phil 100 At The Hollywood Bowl featured Dudamel, Katy Perry and Herbie Hancock – only the LA Phil could bring together such diverse megastars in a single event and still produce spectacular, world-class music.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is one of the greatest orchestras in the world and has a prolific output, performing over 100 epic concerts each year.
They boast a whopping 62 Grammy Awards for their recordings, including several accolades for Best Orchestral Performance and Best Classical Album.
Led by renowned Italian conductor Riccardo Muti as its tenth music director, the CSO is working to fulfill his vision for the Orchestra—to deepen its engagement with the Chicago community.
Ricardo also wants to nurture the legacy of the CSO while supporting a new generation of musicians and to collaborate with visionary artists. Hmm, sounds like they’re trying to catch up to the edgy LA Phil.
If you still need to kick it up leaning more towards today’s pop, country, and rock artists, 2020 has some great shows coming!
The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Established in 1949, the BRSO frequently stun with technically-perfect performances that easily place them among the world’s greatest orchestras.
Now producing recordings under its own label, the orchestra is renowned for its glorious and technicolored performances of staple repertoire pieces.
To borrow a phrase once used by their chief conductor Mariss Jansons, the BRSO is ostensibly the “Rolls Royce” of orchestras.
I’m not a name-dropper, but I was intrigued by this “technicolored performance” they give. I’m guessing that means “spring to life on a dime.” You can watch them on Youtube and see what I mean. A fun watch!
