Come on, I know you want to see it with your own eyes

By Razi Schwartz

What, what do we want to see with our own two eyes? Uh, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, that’s what. Some think it’s ugly. Some think it’s a masterpiece. The people in the apartment across the street think it makes their apartments feel like a sauna thanks to the sun reflection ““ well, I guess until they put that duller on. I don’t know though, it’s still pretty”¦steel”¦to me. I guess, though, when you get to say you have a Frank Ghery in your backyard, it makes it all worth it. I mean, Frank Ghery! And it’s designed to be one of, if not the most acoustically perfect concert halls in the world. In Los Angeles! People, this is HUGE for us, and I love that it puts us on the forefront now of competing with other cultural capitals like New York and Paris. Only, we have better weather (wink, wink).

But with all the talk of what’s going on with the actual building structure, I haven’t heard as much chit chat about what’s going on inside the mammoth silverosity. Well, what’s going on inside is the Los Angeles Philharmonic, that’s what. I was never properly educated about what the Philharmonic is and what it means ““ meaning, I always thought it was boring and unexciting. WOW WAS I WRONG. It’s relaxing, and inspiring, and overwhelming in a good way. The sounds are like perfectly buttered bread, or a big hug when you really need one.

Browsing through the calendar to see what’s coming up, there are some really exciting things happening this week that I just said, “MY READERS MUST KNOW ABOUT”¦this.” On March 10th, March 11th, and March 12th (which also happens to be the birthday of yours truly), the Philharmonic is going all out with Mahler’s Fifth ““ the Friday event is “casual Friday,” and”¦we love casual Fridays. Actually, aren’t most days casual Friday in LA? Yes, yes, they are”¦so, maybe check out the not casual Friday on Sunday and doll yourself up a bit. The conductor is Ingo Metzmacher, and “¦ wow does this man have presence. He’s highly sought after all over the world, has recorded many a CD for EMI Classics, and”¦wait, might be the man of your dreams. Ahhhhhh…Oh, and let’s not forget Mahler. The Mr. Romantico Mahler. The music ““ the moment ““ seriously, I just know you’ll love it. Tickets start at $37 and go up into the hundreds for the orchestra seats. You spent more than that on getting your car detailed last week. And this is so much more fulfilling ““ I promise.

And then”¦during the day on March 11th you’ve got the one and only Juilliard Orchestra, and they will be performing Schuman’s New England Triptych, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 (“Emperor”), and Bartók’s Concerto for Orchestra. James DePreist will conduct, and Joseph Kalichstein will accompany on piano. I don’t know about you, but this sounds like a perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon ““ don’t even give me the weather is nice excuse ““ the weather in LA is always nice, and you can be outdoors even in the depths of February. So do something cultural for yourself instead of stalking the tourists outside Kitson.

Oh, and if all this isn’t reason enough to do something for your brain”¦just once”¦Patina and Kendall’s Brasserie are on the premises, so you can get in some fab eats as well. Honestly, it doesn’t get much better ““ so, go, do it”¦I dare you!

www.laphil.com

Are You a romantic?

Are you a romantic? Wish you could be part of the world of Oscar-nominated Pride & Prejudice movie starring Keira Knightley? Win a chance to experience Pride & Prejudice””and much more from Tracy Stern SALONTEA!!

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- one canister of romantic tea (green tea + jasmine)
- one canister of rock amber sugar crystals
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All of these wonderful items are packed into an orange tote bag that includes:
- Pride & Prejudice DVD
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If you have seen this film or are perhaps contemplating purchasing it, here’s what’s on this great DVD besides the gorgeous photography, amazing music and fabulous acting.

Bonus Features:
- A Bennet Family Portrait ““ An intimate look at each of five vibrant Bennet sisters and their parents.
- Jane Austen, Ahead of Her Time ““ The history of a revolutionary storyteller and a very private woman.
- Behind the Scenes at the Ball ““ A behind-the-scenes look at this lavishly stunning new version of the classic romance
- HBO First Look: Pride & Prejudice, A Classic in the Making ““ Complete with talent and filmmaker interviews, this feature takes an extensive look at the making of the film
- Commentary from director Joe Wright

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Want MORE information about this Oscar-nominated film?

Official PRIDE & PREJUDICE DVD Website ““
http://www.prideandprejudicemovie.net

PRIDE & PREJUDICE DVD Retail Link ““
http://homevideo.universalstudios.com/title_old.php?titleId=2781