Burbank, Calif. – KCET, Southern California’s flagship PBS station and home for award-winning public media programming announced today with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association the broadcast of LA PHIL: ICONS ON INSPIRATION. The airing provides an opportunity for Southern Californians who missed the celebratory, star-studded event, which was originally available online only, to enjoy a concert showcasing LA Phil Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil from the comfort of their living rooms. LA PHIL: ICONS ON INSPIRATION premieres on Wed., Feb. 24, at 8 p.m. on KCET in Southern California.
LA PHIL: ICONS ON INSPIRATION features Dudamel with the LA Phil, joined by a diverse roster of talented artists and renowned cultural icons, and offers audiences a front-row seat to memorable performances and intimate conversations between Dudamel and his special guests.
Pictured from left to right, top to bottom: Julie Andrews, Katy Perry, Yuja Wang, Carlos Vives, Common, Natalie Portman, Gustavo Dudamel, and Liv Redpath. (Images courtesy of LA Phil).
The program, which was filmed late last year at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, opens with composer Jessie Montgomery’s Starburst and features Dudamel in one-on-one online conversations with legendary award-winning actress, singer and writer Julie Andrews, Academy® and Grammy® Award-winning artist, actor, author and activist Common, superstar singer Katy Perry, Academy® Award-winning actress Natalie Portman, Latin Grammy®-winner Carlos Vives and internationally acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang. The viewing audience will hear from these iconic figures about how music inspires and uplifts them and about their enduring support for the art form. Interspersed between each conversation, the orchestra plays music selected and inspired by the celebrated guests: Ellington’s “Martin Luther King” from Three Black Kings in a new orchestration by Terence Blanchard; Scherzo: Pizzicato ostinato from Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4; Berceuse from Stravinsky’s The Firebird; Márquez’ Danzón No. 2 in a version for solo piano performed by Yuja Wang; Romero’s Fuga con Pajarillo featuring alumni of YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles); and “Das himmlische Leben” from Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 in an arrangement by Erwin Stein and featuring soprano Liv Redpath.
“During these times, music has been a lifeline for so many of us, helping to bring us together in spirit through the many challenges,” said Gustavo Dudamel. “We wanted to create an event that honored that sense of hope and connection and celebrated the way that the orchestra can unite us in the service of something greater than ourselves. To be able to share the stage with these extraordinary cultural icons is a dream and privilege, and to be able to perform some of their favorite pieces of music is a gift. We are so grateful for their support, and so happy that our partners at KCET are helping us to share our message.”
“Icons on Inspiration is another example of how we are finding creative ways forward during this difficult time.” said Chief Executive Officer and David C. Bohnett Chief Executive Officer Chair Chad Smith. “Gustavo has assembled a great program and invited friends from across our creative community to speak to the idea of inspiration – all in support of the definitional initiatives and extraordinary musicians of the LA Phil. Thanks to our dedicated donors and supporters, and now KCET, we are thrilled to be able to share this program with so many.”
“As Southern California’s flagship PBS organization, we are doing everything we can as a trusted community connector during these times to allow the vibrant arts community to experience the value that the LA Phil brings to the region,” said Chief Creative Officer of KCET Juan Devis. “Through public television, we offer up the largest stage in Los Angeles, bringing both access and equity to some of the most acclaimed artists at the epicenter of the world’s most prolific arts and culture community.”
The performances were filmed outdoors at the Hollywood Bowl under strict adherence to public health guidelines, with all performers maintaining social distance.
About the LA Phil
Under the leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil offers live performances, media initiatives, and learning programs that inspire and strengthen communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra is the foundation of the LA Phil’s offerings, which also include a multi-genre, multidisciplinary presenting program and such youth development programs as YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles). Performances are offered on three historic stages—Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and The Ford—as well as through a variety of media platforms. In all of its endeavors, the LA Phil seeks to enrich the lives of individuals and communities through musical, artistic, and learning experiences that resonate in our world today.
About KCET
KCET is part of the donor-supported community institution, the Public Media Group of Southern California, which was formed by the merger of PBS SoCal and KCETLink Media Group. As one of Southern California’s two flagship PBS stations, KCET is on-air, online as well as in the community, and plays a vital role in the cultural enrichment of Southern California. KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well as the finest public television programs from around the world. Throughout its 55-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions and its website, kcet.org. For additional information about KCET’s original productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org. KCET Originals and PBS programming are available to stream on the FREE PBS App on iOS and Android devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung Smart TV, and Chromecast. KCET is also available to watch live on YouTube TV.
