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A Musical Extravaganza: LA Philharmonic and Disney Concert Hall

Program Number: 17120RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/18/2013 - 2/22/2013;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Los Angeles, California
Price starting at: $979.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Music Appreciation Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 10; 4 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Gain privileged insights to the Los Angeles Philharmonci from musicians and senior staff. Attend two performances in the acoustically superb, Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall. Explore the LA Music Center as well as the Hollywood Bowl, the Philharmonic’s summer home.




Highlights

• Meet a member of the orchestra who will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the Philharmonic.
• Take in pre-performance talks with renowned musicologists, guest artists, and members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one mile, climbing stairs; standing up to one hour. Getting off/on bus, public transportation.



For performance information on specific dates, call or go to www.roadscholar.org/17120.




Date Specific Information

2-18-2013

Performances include: The Colburn Orchestra Gustavo Dudamel, conductor leading the outstanding young players of the Colburn Orchestra in a rare Sounds About Town performance. Thursday Feb 21; Los Angeles Philharmonic Gustavo Dudamel, conductor, Gil Shaham, violin, Program: WAGNER: Funeral Music from Götterdämmerung, BRAHMS: Violin Concerto, SCHUMANN: Symphony No. 3, "Rhenish".



Coordinated by Road Scholar.




Los Angeles

The cosmopolitan heart of Southern California, L.A. shimmers with diverse cultures and unparalleled glamour, but the “City of Angels” indulges more than fantasy. Its cultural institutions are world-class, from the Getty Museum to the Philharmonic, and top-ranking schools like UCLA and USC contribute to its renown as a first-rate center of learning.
Accommodations
Full-service hotel near Los Angeles destinations and transportation options.
Meals and Lodgings
   The L.A. Downtown Hotel
  Los Angeles CA 4 nights
 The L.A. Downtown Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: The L.A. Downtown Hotel (formerly the Los Angeles Marriott Downtown Hotel and soon to become a Hyatt Regency Hotel) is near LA Live, home of the Staples Center and NOKIA Theater LA Live. This spacious, downtown area hotel is within walking distance of landmark restaurants and lounges, LA's Music Center, shopping, sports and transportation options. This finely appointed, full-service hotel provides guests with luxurious accommodations; a first-class fitness center and beautiful, heated outdoor pool; world-class dining in one of the hotel's three restaurants, poolside or in their room; and close proximity to world-famous LA destinations and cultural landmarks including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Norton Simon Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Griffith Observatory, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Little Tokyo, So. Pasadena and many theatrical venues.
  Contact info: 333 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071 USA
phone: 213-617-1133
web: http://www.thelahotel.com/
  Room amenities: Guest rooms are furnished with an alarm clock, coffee maker/tea service, Internet browser/Web TV, iron/ironing board, luxurious bedding with Serta Perfect Sleeper mattresses with foam or down pillows, hair dryer, separate tub and shower, premium cable TV, movies/videos, and pay-per-view. A rollaway bed is available in some rooms. There is no access charge when using the room phone for toll-free and credit-card calls. Daily newspaper delivery to the room may be requested. A room refrigerator is available, but not guaranteed, upon request.
  Facility amenities: This 13-story, 400-room, smoke-free hotel offers many amenities to its guests including a Concierge desk; cash machine/ATM; gift shop; foreign exchange; 24-hour Fitness Center; daily housekeeping service; complimentary newspaper delivered to the room, on request; room service from 6:00AM to 11:00PM; safe deposit boxes at the front desk; full-service business center; and a same-day laundry and valet dry-cleaning service. INTERNET ACCESS: High-speed wireless Internet service is available at the rate of $9.95/day per device (includes iPads, laptops and any device used to connect to the Internet). The service covers all guest rooms and public spaces in the hotel. Guests may sign up for Wi-Fi access at the front desk. A password is required. (This rate also includes unlimited local phone calls and unlimited long distance service within the country.)
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Based upon availability The L.A. Downtown Hotel offers Road Scholar guests a special rate based upon availability if you wish to stay before or after the program week. Please make your reservation directly with the hotel by calling (213) 617-6019 between 8:00AM–5:00PM, or faxing (213) 621-1510. If you call and reach a voice mail, please leave a message and someone from reservations will return your call.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Based upon availability The L.A. Downtown Hotel offers Road Scholar guests a special rate based upon availability if you wish to stay before or after the program week. Please make your reservation directly with the hotel by calling (213) 617-6019 between 8:00AM–5:00PM, or faxing (213) 621-1510. If you call and reach a voice mail, please leave a message and someone from reservations will return your call.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program registration is between 3:30-5:00PM in the hotel lobby. Orientation begins at 5:30PM followed by dinner at 6:00PM. Group introductions are scheduled after dinner in the classroom. You will be staying at The L.A. Downtown Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Please make your travel arrangements to allow you to stay for our field trip to the Music Center for a guided walk. The group returns to the hotel at approximately 11:30AM. You will be staying at The L.A. Downtown Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. On the enclosed Participant Information Form, please indicate to us the name of your roommate/traveling companion. Also let us know if you are traveling with other individuals and wish to be assigned a room near them. Photo ID
  Parking availability:
Valet parking costs $35/day.Less expensive parking is available in one section of the World Trade Center parking garage. See detailed parking info in the 'Driving Directions' section
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Los Angeles CA
  Nearest city or town:  Los Angeles
  Nearest highway: Freeways 101, 10 and 110 run through LA
  Nearest airport:  Los Angeles International (LAX) and Burbank (BUR)
  From End of Program
  Location: Los Angeles CA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Burbank (BUR) to The L.A. Downtown Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Prime Time Shuttle
phone: 800-733-8267
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$23 p/p one-way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

40-60 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day 
 

Distance:

 

16 miles from Burbank to the hotel
   

Prime Time Shuttle local phone: (310) 536-7922 Prime Time Shuttle website: www.primetimeshuttle.com They provide door-to-door shared van service from Burbank Airport to destination. CALL FOR CURRENT FARE AS PRICE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Advance reservations are required. Burbank Airport website: www.burbankairport.com (for further transportation information) ALTERNATE passenger van service: SuperShuttle at 800-258-3826 or www.supershuttle.com
 

Los Angeles/LAX to The L.A. Downtown Hotel

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
SuperShuttle
phone: 800-258-3826
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approx. $16 p/p one-way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 24 minutes, depending on traffic/time of day 
 

Distance:

 

18 miles from LAX to the hotel
   

Door-to-door shared van service from LAX to destination. Shuttle vans pick up passengers on the Lower/Arrival Level islands in front of each terminal under the "Shared Ride Vans". Advance reservations are required. Call for current rates as prices are subject to change without notice. Website: www.supershuttle.com // SuperShuttle local phone: (310) 782-6600 GOOD ALTERNATE: Prime Time Shuttle ~ For online reservations, call 800-733-8267, or go to www.primetimeshuttle.com
 

Los Angeles Union Station (AMTRAK) to The L.A. Downtown Hotel

 

From Train Station

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Yellow Cab
phone: 877-733-3305

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Around $10+ per ride one-way
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approx. 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

Under 2 miles from Union Station to the hotel
   

Easiest way from Union Station to hotel is by taxi. You may also use DASH public bus. OPT.#1 (M-F 6:30-6:30; Sat-Sun 10-5): Take Red Line train from Union Station to 7th/Figueroa St. & catch DASH F bus; go to 4th/Figueroa St. (hotel on corner) DASH runs every 10-20min. OPT.#2 (M-F Only 5:50AM-6:30PM): Exit Union Station at main entrance. Turn right & cross Alameda St. Catch DASH B at Alameda/Los Angeles St. Get off at 7th/Flower St. Cross 7th St. & catch DASH A. Ride to hotel at 4th/Figueroa St.
 

Los Angeles/LAX to Union Station LA Downtown

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
FlyAway Bus
phone: 866-435-9529

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$7 p/p one-way; $14 p/p round trip
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic/time of day 
 

Distance:

 

18 miles from LAX to the LA Downtown Hotel
   

LAX FlyAway nonstop bus service available between LAX and Union Station 24 hrs a day. LAX departures arrive for pick-up at Terminal 1, lower level, on the hour, and then stops are made at each terminal thereafter. From Union Station, travel by taxi or DASH bus to hotel. The one-way fare is around $10. If using the DASH (or Red Line train/DASH combo), please read instructions in the Amtrak train section for more details. DASH fare $0.35 one-way. Red Line fare $1.50/adult & $0.55/seniors.
 
Driving Directions
  DETAILED PARKING INSTRUCTIONS Valet parking is available at the hotel at the rate of $35/day. (See the concierge for further details.) ALTERNATE PARKING: Less costly overnight parking @ $18/day is available half a block away from the hotel in one particular section of the World Trade Center parking garage. To access this section, one must be careful to enter ONLY at the 3rd St. entrance to the garage. Upon entry, bear to the left and follow the signs marked MONTHLY/ VISITORS Parking. Note: The hotel is located at 333 S. Figueroa St., which is a one-way street going north. Participants may want to drop off their luggage first at the hotel front entrance before parking their cars. On exiting the hotel driveway onto S. Figueroa St., pull over to the far right lane and turn immediately onto 3rd St. going east. The garage entrance is on the right, less than halfway down the street. DO NOT ENTER the parking garage from either the Figueroa or Flower St. entrances because you may be charged up to $36/day or more for parking. PARKING RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Therefore, please read the garage parking rate sign carefully when entering to verify the maximum daily charge. There is a pedestrian walkway from the WTC parking garage to the hotel.
  From Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena to The L.A. Downtown Hotel Take the 5 Freeway South to the 110 Freeway South. Exit at Wilshire Blvd. and make a left turn on S. Figueroa St. The hotel is on your left-hand side at the corner of 3rd and Figueroa Sts.
  From LAX to The L.A. Downtown Hotel Take Sepulveda Blvd. South to the 105 Freeway East to the 110 Freeway North. Take the 9th St. exit and make a left turn onto S. Figueroa St. The hotel is on your left-hand side at the corner of 3rd and Figueroa Sts.
  From Orange County to The L.A. Downtown Hotel Take the 5 Freeway North to US-101 North toward LA/Civic Center. Take the 110 Harbor Freeway South toward San Pedro. Exit at 6th St/4th St toward Wilshire Blvd/Downtown/3rd St. Take the ramp toward 3rd St. Turn left on S. Beaudry Ave. Turn left onto W. 4th St. Turn left onto S. Figueroa St. The hotel is on your left-hand side on the corner of 3rd and Figueroa Sts.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Independent Arrivals
(Monday, February 18)
   
 Afternoon: HOTEL CHECK-IN: Check into L A Downtown Hotel after 3:00pm.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet which we'll review during our orientation session before dinner.

ORIENTATION: Begins before dinner. We'll have an overview of the program ahead and review the up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures and any other administrative issues as well as answer your questions. Please be aware that local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.

 Dinner: Dinner at hotel

Menus are contracted for the program and are designed to offer balanced, healthy meals for the participants.

 Evening: CROSSING POINTS: Participants introduce themselves to the rest of the group.

Enjoy the remainder of the evening getting to know your fellow participants and discovering what you share beyond a love of lifelong learning.

   
Accommodations: The L.A. Downtown Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Introductory Lectures to LA Philharmonic/Walt Disney Concert Hall/Pre-Concert Talk & Performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall
(Tuesday, February 19)

Note: Be prepared to ride DASH, public transportation, during daytime and motorcoach in evening to Walt Disney Concert Hall (WDCH). One hour guided walk of WDCH docent visits much of the interior space and throughout the gardens while presenting the highlights of the architecturally stunning building. Climb some stairs and walk up to 0.5-1 mile at a time.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP & CLASSES: After breakfast, the group will walk across the street and board the DASH shuttle (public transportation) to Walt Disney Concert Hall.

CLASS: Introduction to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra

Dr. Carol Merrill-Mirsky, Director and Curator of Hollywood Bowl Museum, will give you an overview of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra's history and evolving identity.

CLASS: Member of the LA Philharmonic Orchestra

As a special highlight, a member of the orchestra will provide privileged insights into this extraordinary musical environment.

 Lunch: With its sweeping cathedral ceiling and open, inviting interior, the Walt Disney Concert Hall Cafe is situated in one of the most architecturally impressive locations within the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Guests can hand-select a delicious meal from the contemporary marketplace cafe, which will feature gourmet specialty foods including sandwiches, salads and soups and a daily menu of entrees.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP CONTINUES: WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL

Led by a docent, our group will have a one hour, private, guided exploration through much of the interior space in the Walt Disney Concert Hall as well as the gardens. Learn more about Frank Gehry's inspiration and absorb a wealth of architectural and behind-the-scenes information as you move through elaborate, art-punctuated VIP areas. Please note: Due to the near constant rehearsal, performance and special event schedule, we will not be able to enter the auditorium during this field trip.

 Dinner: Dinner at hotel
 Evening: PRE-CONCERT TALK: Upbeat Live presentations include talks by guests ranging from renowned musicologists, visiting artists, and members of the Philharmonic who provide fascinating insights into the evening's concert program.

PERFORMANCE

The Colburn Orchestra with Gustavo Dudamel, conductor, who leads the outstanding young players of the Colburn Orchestra in a rare Sounds About Town performance.

   
Accommodations: The L.A. Downtown Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Docent walk of Central Library/Organ Recital at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels/Hollywood Bowl/Optional Performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall
(Wednesday, February 20)

Note: Be prepared to walk 2 blocks from the hotel to the Central Library for a 1-hour art and architecture guided walk. Walk 5 blocks or ride DASH from Central Library to Cathedral. Ride motorcoach from Cathedral to Hollywood Bowl for 1-hour guided walk which includes walking on sloped terrain for about ¼ mile; some standing; climbing up and down about 10 stairs.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Enjoy the art and architecture of the Central Library on a one hour private docent walk. From the Goodhue Building with its distinctive sphinxes and rooftop pyramid to the high-tech Bradley Wing, designed by famed architect Norman Pfeiffer, and the 8-story atrium with its whimsical chandeliers.
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP & PERFORMANCE: Organ Recital at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.

The magnificent organ is proving to be as much a landmark as the city's new Cathedral itself. Designed by Spanish architect Jose Rafael Moneo, the building has virtually no right angles, contributing to the feeling of mystery and aura of majesty. The massive organ, with 105 stops and 6,019 pipes, makes the room vibrate so that you not only hear the music, but feel it, making the experience all the more powerful. The recital is approximately 30 minutes long.

FIELD TRIP: After organ concert, we'll board our motorcoach and head for the Hollywood Bowl, the largest natural outdoor amphitheater in the U.S. It's home to the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Dr. Carol Merrill-Mirsky provides commentary on the Hollywood Bowl Museum, celebrating the fabulous history of the Bowl, and on the Hollywood Bowl itself as she takes you on stage.

 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
 Evening: OPTIONAL EVENING ACTIVITY

Refer to the Free-Time section for information about The Chamber Music concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Please arrange for your own tickets and transportation. OPTIONAL PERFORMANCE

Artists:

Members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic

Program: Gershwin: Lullaby

Schoenfield: Café Music

Milhaud: Jacob's Dream

Schubert: Quartet TBD

About This Program:

Chamber music is an ideal forum for personal expression, and the musicians of the LA Phil always take the opportunity with exciting flair and imagination.

   
Accommodations: The L.A. Downtown Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Getty Center/Pre-Concert Talk & Los Angeles Philharmonic Performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall
(Thursday, February 21)

Note: Amount of walking at Getty Center is based upon interest level but on flat paved surfaces. Exception is access to Getty Gardens which involve a slight incline. Ride motorcoach to Getty Center and WDCH in evening.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center in Los Angeles houses European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and European and American photographs.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own at Getty Center
 Afternoon: The Getty Center presents the Getty's collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views. Explore the museum and grounds on your own or join a public tour.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel
 Evening: PRE-CONCERT TALK: Upbeat Live presentations include talks by guests ranging from renowned musicologists, visiting artists, and members of the Philharmonic who provide fascinating insights into the evening's concert program.

PERFORMANCE:

Los Angeles Philharmonic with Gustavo Dudamel, conductor, and Gil Shaham, violin.

Program: WAGNER: Funeral Music from Götterdämmerung, BRAHMS: Violin Concerto, SCHUMANN: Symphony No. 3, "Rhenish".
   
Accommodations: The L.A. Downtown Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Music Center Campus & Independent Departures
(Friday, February 22)

Note: Be prepared to ride the DASH (public transportation) to the Music Center for a 60-minute guided walk through portions of 3 Music Center venues—the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theater and Mark Taper Forum--buildings surrounding the Music Center Plaza. Climb some stairs and walk up to 0.5-1 mile at a time.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: We'll take the DASH shuttle again for an exploration of the Music Center, officially the Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County. Led by Symphonian Docents, you will visit the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, and Mark Taper Forum. (Walt Disney Concert Hall was explored earlier in the program.) You will learn not only about the history of the complex and its architecture, but also about the four internationally acclaimed resident companies: the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Center Theatre Group, Los Angeles Opera, and Los Angeles Master Chorale.

HOTEL CHECK OUT: This concludes the program. We hope you have enjoyed this exciting musical extravaganza and will join us for other rewarding programs in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!

   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Los Angeles CA LA Philharmonic
Optional Performance: Please arrange for your own tickets and transportation to this Chamber Music performance.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013, 8:00pm

Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012

For ticket sales and information: Call (323) 850-2000

Artists: Members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic

About This Program: Chamber music is an ideal forum for personal expression, and the musicians of the LA Phil always take the opportunity with exciting flair and imagination. Come for the intimate musical conversations that are chamber music at its finest.

Programs, artists, dates, prices and availability subject to change. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.laphil.com/tickets/index.cfm or by calling (323) 850-2000 (10am - 6pm, daily).

Another alternative for tickets is RUSH TICKETS whereby Senior citizens 65 years of age and older with valid identification can purchase $20 or $10 tickets (depending on seating section*), based upon availability, beginning two hours prior to select concerts. Call after 2pm on the day of the performance to confirm availability. Seating is at the discretion of the Box Office. (One ticket per ID, cash only.)

Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office Hours: Tues – Sun, 12 noon to 6pm, (Closed Monday). The Box Office will be open 2 hours before performances and will close 30 minutes after the concert start time. For additional information, visit www.laphil.com

  Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau
Because Los Angeles offers the visitor a wide range of activities, we suggest you contact the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau and request tourism information:

6801 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

(877) 506-3780 For additional information, visit www.discoverlosangeles.com

  Music Center
You will find Information and performance schedules for the Music Center, home to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theater, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center website. For additional information, visit www.musiccenter.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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