At the Hollywood Bowl, Sergio Tiempo and Karin Lechner’s exploration of the playful suites of Saint-Saëns is balanced with the operatic desire of Rihab Chaieb as Carmen.
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 09-08-2024
On one of the hottest evenings of the year, brave Los Angeles music fans overcame the sweltering conditions to experience the delightful whimsy of Gustavo Dudamel. Leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a two-part performance, the show was entitled Carmen and Carnival with Dudamel. Given the title, you might imagine a Brazilian-like atmosphere with the legendary Spanish character at the center. However, in line with his history as the Musical Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel tends to defy expectations and carve his own path.
First, anyone expecting a performance focused on the Brazilian Carnival was in for quite a surprise and should have read up about the show in advance. Not having anything to do with that annual festival, the first half was a showcase for the unadulterated whimsy of the Carnival of Animals by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921). Alongside Dudamel and the LA Phil, brother-sister piano duo Sergio Tiempo and Karin Lechner marched with the lions and waltzed with the elephants. Together, with theatrical displays and musical precision, the talented pair brought the pieces to life.
Before delving into each piece, animated cartoons were shown on the big screens, conveying sweet folktales from around the world. Each folktale ended with a lesson, sweetly conveyed by the narrator. In the case of these tales, the narrator was none other than Martín Dudamel Maturén, the young son of the legendary conductor. When revealing this aspect of the performance to the audience, the benevolent pride of Gustavo Dudamel filled the Hollywood Bowl like the light of a father’s true love.
In truth, Carnival of Animals was nothing more than a playful lark that Saint-Saëns jotted down while on vacation in Austria. Unable to bend for fear of breaking, the composer forbade performances of the piece during his lifetime, scared of undermining his reputation as a traditional composer. However, given the joyful response of a Hollywood crowd on a sweltering summer night, Saint-Saëns was mistaken. Indeed, any music that brings such happiness should be celebrated as a true success.
In the show’s second half, between two vibrant performances by the LA Phil of symphonic Spanish dances by Roberto Sierra, Operalia prize-winner Rihab Chaieb transported the Hollywood Bowl audience to Seville’s legendary town square and the world of Carmen. Playfully flirting with Dudamel as she sang, the talented mezzo-soprano captured the brazenness and passion of the classical character. Joined later by Madeleine Lyon and Kathleen O’Mara, the performer’s voice filled the night air with a heated sensuality that matched the sweltering conditions of the past day.
After the show, the audience felt satisfied as they filed out of the Hollywood Bowl. Having braved the elements of an almost frightening hot streak and defied the weather, they had experienced a genuinely euphoric night of play and sensuality. Indeed, once again, the adage comes true: Those who venture beyond the front door and engage with the greater world are rewarded for their effort and faith.
