The Music Center's Walt Disney Concert Hall
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall (Concert Hall) opened in 2003 as the newest of The Music Center’s four venues. The Concert Hall was conceived when Lillian B. Disney made an initial gift of $50 million to build an additional performance space on Los Angeles County land in honor of her late husband Walt Disney and his dedication to the arts. Home to LA Phil and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world and provides both visual and aural intimacy through its exterior and interior design.
More than 6,000 panels create the curving stainless steel skin of the Concert Hall’s exterior. Resembling silver sails, the Concert Hall’s design plays off the bowed cornice of The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, forging a link between the old and the new.
The use of natural materials and skylights creates a bright and airy interior in the Concert Hall. Gehry’s team visualized the lobby as a transparent and light-filled “living room for the city.” Massive columns within the lobby structure evoke an image of tree trunks. They are clad in vertical grain Douglas fir and serve the functional purpose of housing the lighting, heating and air conditioning systems.
The 2,265-seat auditorium is a concrete box that is structurally independent of the rest of the building. Gehry collaborated with renowned acoustician Dr. Yasuhisa Toyota to design the acoustics. The walls of the auditorium are vertical grain Douglas fir and the floor is red oak. The stage is Alaskan yellow cedar, the same wood often used on the backs of cellos and violas and can be configured to hold larger performing organizations by removing the first rows in Orchestra View. Natural light enhances daytime concerts with a large 36-foot-high rear window and skylights.
The terraced vineyard style seating is designed to bring the audience close to the orchestra and provide an intimate view of the musicians and conductor from any seat. A focal point for the auditorium is the 50-foot organ that houses 6,134 pipes ranging in size from a pencil to a telephone pole. Only two percent of the pipes are visible. The organ weighs more than 40 metric tons and was designed by Los Angeles organ designer Manuel Rosales along with Frank Gehry.
Gehry’s design includes details as specific as the carpet pattern used in the auditorium. Named “Lillian” in Mrs. Disney’s honor, the pattern was designed to bring Mrs. Disney’s garden into the Concert Hall and is featured in the seating upholstery as well. Foam padding, the material and the hollow underside of the seats mimic the human body in reflecting sound; in fact, the sound is the same no matter how full or how empty the auditorium. The only piece of art in the Concert Hall, “Blue”, was created by Los Angeles artist Peter Alexander. It is located above the Grand Avenue staircase between the Garden and Terrace levels.
The Concert Hall includes BP Hall, which is an additional space for performances and can accommodate up to 350 people. Clad in vertical grain Douglas fir as well, the curved room posed an acoustical challenge. To avoid focusing sound in one area of the space, perforations were added to the wood paneling with special material placed behind the panels to give the room proper acoustics.
Located on the second floor of the Concert Hall is the Library of Congress/Ira Gershwin Gallery. Designed by Hodgetts + Fung Design Associates, the gallery was made possible by a gift from the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Trust for the Benefit of the Library of Congress and rotates its collection bi-annually.
The Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT), named in honor of Walt Disney’s brother and partner Roy and Roy’s wife, Edna, is also housed within the Concert Hall. An interdisciplinary contemporary arts center, the theatre is programmed by CalArts, based in Valencia, California. REDCAT features a flexible 200- to 270-seat multi-use theatre and a 3,000 square-foot exhibition space. Its entrance includes a marquee of curvilinear stainless steel and leads directly into an expansive multi-use space that includes a lobby and lounge for meetings, receptions and post-performance events. The REDCAT stage can be transformed into several configurations, from thrust and end stage to completely in the round. The performance space is lined with hinged panels, each with finished wood on one side and sound-absorbent material on the other. To quiet outside noise and prevent transmission of vibrations from the Concert Hall, REDCAT is built as a steel box-within-a box, with the interior box floating on 72 special rubber pads.
Featured at Walt Disney Concert Hall
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Sun Mar 30 7:30 PM
LA Phil Herbie Hancock
Walt Disney Concert Hall
One of the most inventive artists in the history of American music, the brilliant and always-innovating Herbie Hancock returns for a night of freewheeling, thought-provoking, mind-expanding, galactic-traveling jazz and funk.
One of the most inventive artists in the history of American music, the brilliant and always-innovating Herbie Hancock returns for a night of freewheeling, thought-provoking, mind-expanding, galactic-traveling jazz and funk.
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Thu Apr 03 8:00 PM
Fri Apr 04 8:00 PM
LA Phil Yo-Yo Ma, Williams & Dudamel
Walt Disney Concert Hall
John Williams describes his friendship with legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma as “one of the treasures of my life,” and Ma has affectionately referred to the composer as “Ludwig.” The duo has been close collaborators since the early 1980s, leading to Wil...Show More
John Williams describes his friendship with legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma as “one of the treasures of my life,” and Ma has affectionately referred to the composer as “Ludwig.” The duo has been close collaborators since the early 1980s, leading to Williams writing music with Ma’s cello in mind and working together on the 2022 album A Gathering of Friends. Williams and Gustavo Dudamel share a similar friendship, built on artistic admiration and understanding, and the trio combine for an exhilarating night of Williams’ music.
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Sat Apr 05 8:00 PM
Sun Apr 06 2:00 PM
LA Phil Celebrating John Williams
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg once said, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth, we do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not beli...Show More
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg once said, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth, we do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”
Show Less
To bring the John Williams Spotlight Series to a close, and to honor Williams’ illustrious seven-decade career, Gustavo Dudamel leads the LA Phil in an exciting program of the composer’s most recognizable, adored, and critically acclaimed music for the silver screen. From Indiana Jones and Harry Potter to Star Wars and Jurassic Park, enjoy this celebration of movie magic with selected film clips on the big screen! -
Thu Apr 10 8:00 PM
Sun Apr 13 2:00 PM
LA Phil Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Mozart & Haydn
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Delight in sounds of the seasons—with a surprise—alongside 18th-century music expert Nicholas McGegan.
Delight in sounds of the seasons—with a surprise—alongside 18th-century music expert Nicholas McGegan.
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Sun Apr 13 7:30 PM
LA Phil Rachel Mahon
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Critics from Gramophone, BBC Music, and more applaud Rachel Mahon for her panache and attention to detail—and now, the Canadian organist brings it all to LA for her Walt Disney Concert Hall debut.
Critics from Gramophone, BBC Music, and more applaud Rachel Mahon for her panache and attention to detail—and now, the Canadian organist brings it all to LA for her Walt Disney Concert Hall debut.
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Tue Apr 15 8:00 PM
LA Phil Shostakovich and Ravel
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Harp, winds, and strings come together for a lively program of Ravel, Hindemith, Caplet, and Shostakovich.
Harp, winds, and strings come together for a lively program of Ravel, Hindemith, Caplet, and Shostakovich.
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Sat Mar 08 7:30 PM
Sun Mar 30 2:00 PM
LA Opera Così fan tutte
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
The wine is flowing a little too freely, and two young men enter into a risky (and risqué) bet: Each will try to seduce the other’s fiancée. Hijinks ensue, with dashing disguises, outrageous flirting, and, of course, wedding bells—but we won't say...Show More
The wine is flowing a little too freely, and two young men enter into a risky (and risqué) bet: Each will try to seduce the other’s fiancée. Hijinks ensue, with dashing disguises, outrageous flirting, and, of course, wedding bells—but we won't say who ends up together!
Mozart’s razor-sharp comedy is back in a delightful production by director Michael Cavanagh. A stylish set by Erhard Rom updates the action to a swanky American country club, bursting with kitsch and color. James Conlon conducts a fantastic ensemble cast, led by longtime LA Opera favorites Ana María Martínez and Rod Gilfry as the schemers behind the deception. Featuring an endless parade of exquisite ensembles, Mozart’s deliciously scandalous opera is a can’t-miss for newcomers and seasoned fans alike.
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Wed Mar 19 12:00 PM
Mon Jun 30 6:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative The Music Center Presents Breakthru
Jerry Moss Plaza
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.Show More
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.
Guided by a series of two-minute breathing and movement sequences, shift your mood by choosing joyful, energized, centered and confident. This ever-evolving, crowd-curated experience gives us all permission to pause, reflect and recharge.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Sun Mar 30 7:30 PM
LA Phil Herbie Hancock
Walt Disney Concert Hall
One of the most inventive artists in the history of American music, the brilliant and always-innovating Herbie Hancock returns for a night of freewheeling, thought-provoking, mind-expanding, galactic-traveling jazz and funk.
One of the most inventive artists in the history of American music, the brilliant and always-innovating Herbie Hancock returns for a night of freewheeling, thought-provoking, mind-expanding, galactic-traveling jazz and funk.
Show Less -
Wed Mar 19 12:00 PM
Mon Jun 30 6:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative The Music Center Presents Breakthru
Jerry Moss Plaza
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.Show More
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.
Guided by a series of two-minute breathing and movement sequences, shift your mood by choosing joyful, energized, centered and confident. This ever-evolving, crowd-curated experience gives us all permission to pause, reflect and recharge.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Wed Mar 19 12:00 PM
Mon Jun 30 6:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative The Music Center Presents Breakthru
Jerry Moss Plaza
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.Show More
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.
Guided by a series of two-minute breathing and movement sequences, shift your mood by choosing joyful, energized, centered and confident. This ever-evolving, crowd-curated experience gives us all permission to pause, reflect and recharge.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Wed Apr 02 7:30 PM
Sun Apr 06 7:30 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Drawing from his early experiences at Lester Horton’s studio and his upbringing in Los Angeles, Alvin Ailey cultivated a profound understanding of dance as a vehicle for cultural expression. This foundation laid the groundwork for Alvin Ailey Amer...Show More
Drawing from his early experiences at Lester Horton’s studio and his upbringing in Los Angeles, Alvin Ailey cultivated a profound understanding of dance as a vehicle for cultural expression. This foundation laid the groundwork for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which has since become a beacon of artistic excellence, showcasing the vibrancy and richness of the African American cultural experience, transcending boundaries and reshaping the art form itself. Ailey’s pioneering spirit not only transformed modern dance, but also sparked a dedication to education, community engagement and cultural diplomacy. Returning to The Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion as part of an exclusive Southern California multi-year residency, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater presents cutting-edge contemporary premieres and classics including Mr. Ailey’s signature work Revelations.
Show LessAges 8 and up
Learn MoreAges 8 and up
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Wed Mar 19 12:00 PM
Mon Jun 30 6:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative The Music Center Presents Breakthru
Jerry Moss Plaza
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.Show More
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.
Guided by a series of two-minute breathing and movement sequences, shift your mood by choosing joyful, energized, centered and confident. This ever-evolving, crowd-curated experience gives us all permission to pause, reflect and recharge.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
-
Wed Mar 19 12:00 PM
Mon Jun 30 6:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative The Music Center Presents Breakthru
Jerry Moss Plaza
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.Show More
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.
Guided by a series of two-minute breathing and movement sequences, shift your mood by choosing joyful, energized, centered and confident. This ever-evolving, crowd-curated experience gives us all permission to pause, reflect and recharge.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Sat Apr 05 8:00 PM
Sun Apr 06 2:00 PM
LA Phil Celebrating John Williams
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg once said, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth, we do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not beli...Show More
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg once said, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth, we do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”
Show Less
To bring the John Williams Spotlight Series to a close, and to honor Williams’ illustrious seven-decade career, Gustavo Dudamel leads the LA Phil in an exciting program of the composer’s most recognizable, adored, and critically acclaimed music for the silver screen. From Indiana Jones and Harry Potter to Star Wars and Jurassic Park, enjoy this celebration of movie magic with selected film clips on the big screen! -
Wed Mar 19 12:00 PM
Mon Jun 30 6:00 PM
A TMC Arts Program: Digital Innovation Initiative The Music Center Presents Breakthru
Jerry Moss Plaza
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.Show More
Join us for Breakthru, a free daily movement and breathing-based microbreak on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center. Every day at NOON and 6:00 p.m., Angelenos come together to move, breathe and reset—right in the heart of Downtown L.A.
Guided by a series of two-minute breathing and movement sequences, shift your mood by choosing joyful, energized, centered and confident. This ever-evolving, crowd-curated experience gives us all permission to pause, reflect and recharge.
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Sat Apr 05 10:00 AM
Sat Apr 19 10:00 AM
A TMC Arts Program Gloria Molina Grand Park's Easy Mornings
Gloria Molina Grand Park
From puppetry, storytelling, and surfing in the park to arts and crafts and live DJ entertainment, Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings offers a variety of experiences for curious little minds! Start off the weekend with relaxing and ...Show More
From puppetry, storytelling, and surfing in the park to arts and crafts and live DJ entertainment, Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings offers a variety of experiences for curious little minds! Start off the weekend with relaxing and family-friendly activities for all ages, focused on deepening relationships with self, community and the park. This year, Easy Mornings is teaming up with Smorgasburg LA to bring more interactive experiences for everyone!
Show LessFree
Learn MoreFree
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Sat Apr 05 8:00 PM
Sun Apr 06 2:00 PM
LA Phil Celebrating John Williams
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg once said, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth, we do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not beli...Show More
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg once said, “Without John Williams, bikes don’t really fly, nor do brooms in Quidditch matches, nor do men in red capes. There is no Force, dinosaurs do not walk the Earth, we do not wonder, we do not weep, we do not believe.”
Show Less
To bring the John Williams Spotlight Series to a close, and to honor Williams’ illustrious seven-decade career, Gustavo Dudamel leads the LA Phil in an exciting program of the composer’s most recognizable, adored, and critically acclaimed music for the silver screen. From Indiana Jones and Harry Potter to Star Wars and Jurassic Park, enjoy this celebration of movie magic with selected film clips on the big screen!
Tour The Music Center Campus
Free tours are available of all The Music Center's theaters.