Midsummer Mayerling in LA

Midsummer Mayerling in LA

streets of LA

There are few things that can get a long-time local to make the drive into hectic downtown LA.  What got me to do it? Seeing the Royal Ballet perform their signature repertoire piece at The Music Center.

Yes, this past weekend I made the trip to Dorothy Chandler Pavilion which typically hosts the dance events at the landmark performing arts complex.

Since it was my first time visiting, I gave myself some x-tra, x-tra time to get there, and arriving with plenty to spare, I took a walk down the streets of angel city capturing the shots below.

The Music Center

Sir Kenneth MacMillan’s raw, unapologetic portrayal of the agonizing cage of human existence – no matter how rich and mighty you are – through the true life drama of Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince Rudolf and his teenage mistress Baroness Mary Vetsera, which ended in the couple’s successfully executed suicide plan in 1889, Mayerling did not disappoint!

But it was dance historian Elizabeth Kaye’s talk prior to the performance that took it to another level, as her talks so often do.

I have come to greatly appreciate the rare aptitude of Ms. Kaye to transport us to another space and time no matter where we are in the moment, and in so doing elevate the entire artistic experience.

enjoy the snaps & check in soon!

photo above: Elizabeth Kaye prepares to talk

Colburn Performing Arts Complex
concert on Grand Ave
view of LA's famous Angel's Flight railway
downtown LA view from 350 Grand Ave
fountain in courtyard near Colburn School
banner with LA Phil music director Gustavo Dudamel
view of courtyard with reflecting pool from Colburn School
The Music Center
"Nureyev" statue in reflection pool of Dorothy Chandler lobby
Mayerling cast & LA Phil conductor take bows after performance
Mayerling marquee at Disney Concert Hall
LA architecture
close-up of LA's famous Angel's Flight railway
long oval reflecting pool behind MOCA
The Broad contemporary art museum
The Walt Disney Concert Hall on 111 Grand Ave
The Music Center entrance... up the stairs
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion Lobby
dance talk space at Dorothy Chandler
wall art installation at upper level of Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
curtain call for Sarah Lamb in role of Mary Vetsera
MOCA: Museum of Contemporary Art
landscapes around Bunker Hill area of downtown LA
view next to Angel's Flight
MOCA Museum courtyard view
Colburn School courtyard entrance
Colburn School CAFE
The Founders wall at Dorothy Chandler
"Ballet Shoes" statue on opposite side of Nureyev statue in lobby of Dorothy Chandler
during intermission.... dance lecture hall at Dorothy Chandler
curtain call for Matthew Ball in role of Prince Rudolf