Wow!

A day of top notch cultural experiences. Started with a new play that was incredibly cleverly staged and performed but was most powerful since it was a true story and the lead actor was the young man whose story it told. The journey and plight of these young refugees was powerfully communicated and left us with a lot to talk about.
Home and tidied up, made beds etc and waited for Sa&So arriving. Once they got here we chatted and drank tea for a while then set off for a wander around town and they got something to eat before we split up and So&K headed for comedy and Sa and I managed to catch some incredible dance as a last minute choice. It was amazing to be so close to 4 wonderful ballet/contemporary dancers. Their strength and suppleness were amazing - you could feel the hours and hours of practice paying off.
From there straight to see the LA Phil and I'd got seats on the row immediately behind the orchestra in the organ stalls. It was one of the most fantastic musical experiences I've ever had. I was directly in front of and at eye level with Dudamel and felt held in his power the whole evening. It started with Barber's Adagio for Strings. He conducted it as if drawing the music out from deep inside him - no music, no baton, just swaying and facial expressions. At the end Sa and I realised we'd barely been breathing and both had faces streaked with tears. 
Then it was a European premiere of a new John Adams piece. What a contrast - full on orchestral festival of sound! Wasn't sure I'd like it as it started but it somehow coalesced and was amazing to be in the midst of the music. We obviously heard more of the percussion, so an odd balance but worth it. The pianist Yuja Wang was almost possessed and a great performer....and then she came back to do 3 encores of funny but ornately improvised pieces.
After the interval it was back for the Tchaikovsky.....full on sound again and fun from the percussionists (these were the cymbal/snare drum and triangle players) who were very friendly before and after the performance but sat motionless and silent when not playing very loud! The section where the strings pluck throughout was fabulous - Dudamel conducted almost exclusively with his eyebrows!
I wouldn't have missed it for the world...and to think we had the cheap seats! I'd always book these again when they're available.
Home and heard all about the shows So&K had been too - they'd loved them too. A mindreader/comedian/magician and a comedian from our very favourite sketch show troupe Pappy's. We've all had a great day.....