LA Philharmonic/Dudamel review – seriousness of artistic purpose and exquisite playing

Barbican, London
Dudamel’s opening message of peace is superbly fulfilled in moments of quiet optimism and moving contemplation in performances of Williams, Copland and Herrmann

News from Brussels made for a sombre backdrop to the start of the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s latest residency at the Barbican. Gustavo Dudamel made a short speech at the start dedicating the concert to the people of Belgium, to whom he offered “a message of beauty, love and peace”.

It was a promise on which the orchestra delivered. These residencies by visiting bands sometimes involve just a couple of showcase concerts and not much else. The better model, although of course more costly, involves more carefully planned programmes, along with daytime breakout events with lots of interaction. The Angelenos, who move on tonight to a Messiaen evening, followed by an open rehearsal with young east London mixed-ability musicians and a big Mahler finish, have clearly taken this welcome second route.

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