With the LA Phil expertly conducted by Anna Handler at the Hollywood Bowl, the flutist and harpist showcase the orchestra’s exceptional talent and depth.
By John Lavitt
Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 08-04-2025
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was never overly fond of the flute or the harp as solo instruments. He often expressed disdain for both in letters to his father. In 1778, he wrote from Mannheim about the flute, “You know that I am quite powerless whenever I am obliged to write for an instrument which I cannot bear.”
Despite these reported objections, Mozart composed music for both instruments. In the same year he wrote to his father, supported by a generous commission from the Duke of Guînes, Mozart composed his Concerto in C Major for Flute and Harp, K. 299. Lasting just under half an hour, the piece is truly enchanting, showcasing the best qualities of both instruments through a captivating interplay.
However, for the piece to truly shine, it requires more than just a talented orchestra. The brilliant Anna Handler, leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic as guest conductor, kept the ensemble perfectly synchronized with the music. Yet, the performance would have been ordinary without the inspired duo of flutist Denis Bouriakov and harpist Emmanuel Ceysson.
Unlike the youthful and charismatic guest conductor, both Bouriakov and Ceysson are longtime members of the LA Phil. Playing flute in the Virginia and Henry Mancini Chair, Denis Bouriakov has served as Principal Flute of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2015. Before joining the LA Phil, he was Principal Flute at the Metropolitan Opera. He is also a highly active and sought-after flute soloist worldwide, earning numerous awards.
Selected from 70 candidates through a blind, anonymous audition, Emmanuel Ceysson joined the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2020. At just 22, he became Principal Harpist of the Paris Opera, later joining New York’s Metropolitan Opera for five full seasons. As a recording artist, he has released a wide variety of solo, chamber, and concerto recordings for the harp, and has devoted much of his time to teaching master classes worldwide.
Together, these musicians exemplify modern mastery. They demonstrated this fully when playing Mozart’s Concerto in C Major for Flute and Harp, K. 299, together. The smiles at the Hollywood Bowl were contagious as the audience was immersed in a magical, fairy-tale-like experience. It was akin to stepping into Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with a hint of Puck’s dastardly mischief lurking within the musical journey.
The enthusiasm and joy radiating from the two performers were infectious. They loved playing together, and Handler gave each of them the spotlight to shine in bringing Mozart’s whimsical vision to life. Given Gustavo Dudamel’s imminent departure to the NY Phil, if a replacement has not yet been announced, Anna Handler would be a bold and inspired choice.
Handler’s European influences run deep, and she resembles a female version of Dudamel in her passion for communication and energy. The German-Colombian conductor and pianist shares his enthusiasm and expressive style. At Juilliard, she was the first conductor to win the prestigious Kovner Fellowship. Wouldn’t it make sense for her to become the first female conductor to lead the LA Phil into the 21st century?
Photos Courtesy of the Los Angeles Philharmonic
