Mälkki Conducts Bartók

Béla Bartók described his Concerto for Orchestra as a gradual progression from the stern and stately to life-affirming enthusiasm. Former Principal Guest Conductor Susanna Mälkki has been widely celebrated for her ability to “make conspicuous magic” (Gramophone) of Bartók. She returns to deftly navigate the concerto’s shifting character that dances between a charming “game of pairs,” an eerie elegy, and humorous jab at Shostakovich with countless showcase opportunities for the musicians of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Where Bartók treats the orchestra as a collection of soloists, Czech compo…