Los Angeles music lovers, mark your calendars. On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the LA Phil is offering something truly special — a ticketed public rehearsal that gives audiences a front-row seat to the creative process behind one of the orchestra’s most anticipated programs of the season.
Hosted at the architectural masterpiece Walt Disney Concert Hall, this open rehearsal is more than a preview. It’s an insider’s pass into how Maestro Gustavo Dudamel and the orchestra shape, refine, and elevate music from the page to performance.
For $30–$60, guests can witness the orchestra prepare two extraordinary works: Symphony No. 6 — lovingly known as the “Pastoral” — and Inferno from Dante by Thomas Adès. Following the rehearsal, attendees will enjoy a special artist talkback featuring LA Phil musicians and Chief Operating Officer Daniel Song.
This is not just a concert. It’s a rare look at genius in motion.
Beethoven’s “Pastoral”: Nature in Sound
Few works capture the beauty of the countryside quite like Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony. From its blissful opening to the gentle woodwind birdsong and rumbling storm passages, the “Pastoral” transports listeners into rolling meadows and fresh air.
Beethoven once wrote of his love for wandering “among the bushes and grass, under trees and over rocks,” and that sentiment breathes through every movement. During this rehearsal, audiences will observe how Dudamel fine-tunes phrasing, balances orchestral textures, and shapes the emotional arc of the piece.
Watching a rehearsal reveals something magical — the pauses, the adjustments, the laughter, the intensity. It’s a reminder that even the most serene music requires bold artistic decisions.
From Serenity to Fire: Adès’ Inferno
After the tranquility of Beethoven, Dudamel will guide the orchestra into dramatically different territory with Thomas Adès’ Inferno — the blazing first section of his Dante trilogy.
This electrifying score plunges into the chaos and drama of Dante’s underworld, a piece that previously earned the LA Phil a Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance. Expect sharp contrasts, rhythmic fire, and orchestral color that feels cinematic in scale.
Witnessing the orchestra rehearse this work offers insight into:
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How modern compositions are interpreted
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The collaborative energy between conductor and musicians
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The evolution of tempo, dynamics, and articulation
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The way sections of the orchestra respond to artistic direction
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How complex passages are broken down and rebuilt
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The transformation from technical precision to emotional storytelling
It’s an education in artistry — live and unfiltered.
Why This Event Is a Must-Attend
Public rehearsals are rare, especially at this level of artistry. Unlike a polished performance, rehearsals reveal vulnerability and mastery side by side. You’ll see Dudamel pause, refine, repeat, and experiment. You’ll witness musicians listening closely to one another, shaping sound in real time.
The post-rehearsal talkback adds another layer, offering direct insight into:
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The LA Phil’s artistic process
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Leadership perspectives on programming and performance
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The collaborative culture inside one of the world’s leading orchestras
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How musicians prepare mentally and physically
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What audiences might not notice during a traditional concert
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The vision guiding the orchestra’s future
This behind-the-scenes experience bridges the gap between stage and audience, inviting music lovers deeper into the art form.
Event Details at a Glance
What: Open Rehearsal: Dudamel, Dante, and Beethoven 6 (with Artist Talkback)
Who: Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
When: Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Tickets: $30–$60 (on sale now)
Info & Tickets: www.laphil.com
Seating is general admission by section. Guests must be age six or older. Photography and video recording are not permitted.
About the LA Phil
Under the leadership of Gustavo Dudamel, the Los Angeles Philharmonic continues to redefine what an orchestra can be. Performing across Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and the Beckmen YOLA Center, the LA Phil blends artistic excellence with innovation and education — including its impactful YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) program.
This March 5 rehearsal isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s an invitation to witness brilliance before the curtain officially rises.
If you’ve ever wondered how great music becomes unforgettable — this is your moment. 🎶
