Esa-Pekka Salonen returns to lead L.A. Philharmonic as creative director

Esa-Pekka Salonen returned to conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Jan. 9, his first concerts since being named the orchestra’s creative director in September. The performances drew exuberant applause and showcased an ambitious, event-based approach to programming, the critic Joshua Barone wrote.

The concerts included rarities by Sibelius and Debussy, a recent work by Gabriella Smith called "Rewilding" (which Salonen premiered with the San Francisco Symphony last year), Scriabin’s tone poem "Prometheus," and a light installation by Grimanesa Amorós. A separate single-work program featured Ferruccio Busoni’s Piano Concerto with pianist Igor Levit; Barone praised the balance and the hall’s acoustics.

Salonen also conducted a memorial program for the architect Frank Gehry, who designed Disney Hall and died in December at age 96; his work "Wing on Wing," written for the hall’s inaugural concert, returned in the program "Music for Frank." Barone noted Salonen’s restrained conducting style and his control across both contemporary and large-scale repertoire.

The creative-director post was created for Salonen; he will not be the music director, a separate, open position with Gustavo Dudamel leaving soon for New York. Mr.

Key Topics

Culture, Esa-pekka Salonen, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Disney Hall, Gabriella Smith, Igor Levit