Classical Picks: Vienna Philharmonic, Wagner's Das Rheingold

Video from a recording session for Lang Lang with Zubin Mehta conducting; see them live in LA this Wednesday

The Vienna Philharmonic is in town, with two different concerts mid-week presented by the LA Phil at Disney Hall and led by the great Zubin Mehta (Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic 1962-1978). Tuesday's performance is comprised of Wolf's Italian Serenade, Marx's Four Songs, and Bruckner's Symphony No. 9, with Angela Maria Blasi (soprano). Wednesday's program offers Wagner's Rienzi Overture, Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 2, and Schubert's Symphony No. 9, "Great," with Lang Lang's piano talent. The Vienna Philharmonic is one of the world's best orchestras, and this is a great opportunity to see them in town.

In other news, critical reception for the LA Opera's production of Wagner's Das Rheingold has been ecstatic. Check it out now because it's gone March 15th. Luckily, it will be back in the summer for the entire ring cycle--that's four operas, 16 hrs, and, as incentive, up to half of the ticket price is tax deductible!

Vienna Philharmonic at Walt Disney Hall
Tuesday March 3, 8 p.m. (tickets) & Wednesday March 4, 8 p.m. (tickets)

LA Opera's Wagner's Das Rheingold
Thursday March 5,7:30 p.m.; Sunday March 8, 2 p.m.; Wednesday March 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday March 15, 2 p.m. (tickets)