It took about 7.8 seconds for Walt Disney Concert Hall to become a classic Christmas venue for the city of Los Angeles.
Really, before it even opened, people probably already understood that they'd be sitting in its warm-toned space listening to bassoons and voices raised in carol-sweet cheer. And it is a prediction that has come to pass: Catching a concert at the downtown landmark near the end of the year is a must-do on many a list.
But the LA Philharmonic makes it pretty easy, in terms of offering a variety of holiday shows. A tiki-themed Hawaiian Christmas with Don Tiki, a show from the forever hip Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a dramatic organ offering, and "Wicked" star Idina Menzel singing in the New Year are all on the seasonal slate.
We're especially looking forward to Aaron Neville on Tuesday, Dec. 18 -- Mr. Neville will bring a New Orleans vibe to his performance -- and Julie Andrews at the Saturday, Dec. 22 sing-along.
Julie. Andrews. At Christmas. Please. That's nearly a movie in itself, right there.
It's an instant cheer-maker, and just the dose of big-city-charm-ness that Christmas movies so often tell us we need this time of year. The LA Phil implores us to Deck the Hall each year. Given that the hall in question is so singular and spectacular, that's a pretty easy feat to complete.
