Classical Pick of the Week: Sir Simon Rattle of the Berlin Philharmonic at Disney Hall

Dudamel is off with the Berlin Philharmonic, as part of a celebration of the 130th anniversaryof the Berlin Philharmonic. In the meantime, one of music's biggest names is coming to the Disney Hall this week. Coldplayis also playing at the Disney Hall this week, but their shows are sold out.

Sir Simon Rattle, the conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic (and former LA Phil Guest Conductor), will conduct the LA Phil in a performance of Ligeti's Atmosphères, Wagner's Prelude to Act I of Lohengrin, Mahler's Rückert-Lieder (featuring Rattle's wife and mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kozená), and Bruckner's 9th Symphony (here's a nice intro videoon Sir Rattle, Bruckner, and his 9th (and unfinished) Symphony). There are plenty opportunities to see him with four concerts on Thursdayat 8 PM, Fridayat 8 PM, Saturdayat 8 PM, and Sundayat 2 PM.

As an added bonus, Rattle is conducting the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles in a free performance Saturdayafternoon at 12:30PM at the Disney Hall. Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis. The NYT and the Philadelphia Orchestra seemed to lovehim in a recent performance, and will give you an idea on what to expect this week.

In other news, the Ventura Music Festival kicks off this week and will feature concert pianist Alexander Schimpf this weekend and the Emerson String Quartet next Tuesday.