In an evening of symphonic marvel, the esteemed Zubin Mehta graced the Walt Disney Concert Hall, commanding the stage with an enchanting display of musical prowess. Renowned for his directorship of the Los Angeles Philharmonic from 1962 to 1978, Mehta led the orchestra through Beethoven’s illustrious Symphony No. 6, the “Pastoral,” and the iconic Symphony No. 3, the “Eroica.” From the inaugural strains of the “Pastoral,” Mehta’s decades-long immersion with esteemed orchestras like those in Los Angeles, New York, Vienna, Berlin, Florence, and Israel was palpably evident.

The strings delicately danced, evoking whispers of wind across serene landscapes, while the woodwinds vividly painted nature’s awakening. Mehta’s direction navigated Beethoven’s pastoral vista, weaving a sonic tapestry that transported the audience to a realm of tranquil serenity.

Within this auditory panorama, the flute emerged as a delicate yet commanding voice, deftly wielded by virtuoso Denis Bouriakov whose flute mastery lent an ethereal quality, enhancing the enchantment of Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony. Transitioning seamlessly from the tranquility of the “Pastoral” to the revolutionary fervor of the “Eroica” Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra continued to shine under Maestro Mehta’s baton. Joseph Pereira’s percussive brilliance on the timpani intensified Beethoven’s composition, amplifying the symphony’s dramatic impact.

As the majestic finale of the “Eroica” Symphony unfolded, the timpani reverberated with a thunderous resonance, echoing triumphantly through the concert hall and punctuating the culmination of Beethoven’s visionary revolution. Zubin Mehta, commanding from the helm, received an enthusiastic standing ovation and thunderous applause from the captivated audience, a testament to the profound emotional resonance of the performance.

— Rosane Grimberg

For more information on events and concerts at the Disney Concert Hall, please visit www.laphil.com