Yo-Yo Ma, Williams & Dudamel : John Williams, curator and conductor / Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra - April 3rd and 4th, 2025 + April 5 & 6 concerts

[SyncMan 377]

John Williams, conductor

Yo-Yo Ma, soloist

https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3103/2025-04-03/yo-yo-ma-williams-dudamel

Quote

John Williams describes his friendship with legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma as “one of the treasures of my life,” and Ma has affectionately referred to the composer as “Ludwig.” The duo has been close collaborators since the early 1980s, leading to Williams writing music with Ma’s cello in mind and working together on the 2022 album A Gathering of Friends. Williams and Gustavo Dudamel share a similar friendship, built on artistic admiration and understanding, and the trio combine for an exhilarating night of Williams’ music.

 

[pete 1,091]

Well maybe this will be the premier of that new piece for Yo-Yo... maybe!

[WilliamsStarShip2282 326]

I'm surprised they announced this so far in advance, but I would really like to go if only they revealed the program, which I won't expect the last moment probably. Unless they're just playing music from that album, which would be pretty great.

[pete 1,091]

2025! I totally missed that.  Well John must be feeling healthy! 

[Tom 5,605]

4 hours ago, pete said:

Well maybe this will be the premier of that new piece for Yo-Yo... maybe!

Very good chance.  

[Muad'Dib 1,940]

Any idea when they might put the tickets up for sale?

[BB-8 4,983]

April 3 2025: John Williams, conductor and curator

April 4 2025: John Williams, curator

 

Yo-Yo Ma, Williams & Dudamel | Walt Disney Concert Hall (laphil.com)

 

[Bayesian 1,513]

On 16/10/2024 at 2:27 AM, BB-8 said:

April 3 2025: John Williams, conductor and curator

April 4 2025: John Williams, curator

 

Yo-Yo Ma, Williams & Dudamel | Walt Disney Concert Hall (laphil.com)

 

I missed seeing this post until now. As regards JW's health, I feel this should be seen as good news -- I can't imagine he would want to pencil in concert dates unless he felt he was going to be able to make them.

[Concert Attendee 2]

I was curious about this concert.  John Williams is listed as curator for April 3, 4, 5, and 6th concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

 

Does this mean that Gustavo Dudamel will definitely be conducting the entirety of all four concerts and John Williams at best, might guest conduct an encore performance if he is feeling up to it, and potentially introduce a new work during the Yo-Yo-Ma concerts?  

I have an opportunity to attend one of these nights, but unsure which would be the best to attend, and (not to sound like a prude) but if it would even be worth the cost of flight/hotel to attend and potentially John Williams not even being present.  If you were all betting people, what would you wager would be John Williams involvement on any of these dates/performances?

[Toillion 387]

14 minutes ago, Concert Attendee said:

I was curious about this concert.  John Williams is listed as curator for April 3, 4, 5, and 6th concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

 

Does this mean that Gustavo Dudamel will definitely be conducting the entirety of all four concerts and John Williams at best, might guest conduct an encore performance if he is feeling up to it, and potentially introduce a new work during the Yo-Yo-Ma concerts?  

I have an opportunity to attend one of these nights, but unsure which would be the best to attend, and (not to sound like a prude) but if it would even be worth the cost of flight/hotel to attend and potentially John Williams not even being present.  If you were all betting people, what would you wager would be John Williams involvement on any of these dates/performances?

 

 

He is still listed as the conductor for the April 3rd concert, which is promising. I’m not sure if there’s been an update on his health, but he’s had to back out of several concerts over the past few months. I don’t think he’s conducted a show since early spring. If he’s feeling better, I’d guess he might conduct an encore or a new piece on April 3rd. For the other shows, he might just attend as part of the audience for recognition. Of course, there’s always the possibility of a surprise encore at the other performances too.

 

[Marian Schedenig 10,139]

13 minutes ago, Toillion said:

He is still listed as the conductor for the April 3rd concert, which is promising. I’m not sure if there’s been an update on his health, but he’s had to back out of several concerts over the past few months. I don’t think he’s conducted a show since early spring. If he’s feeling better, I’d guess he might conduct an encore or a new piece on April 3rd. For the other shows, he might just attend as part of the audience for recognition. Of course, there’s always the possibility of a surprise encore at the other performances too.

 

He's also still listed as the conductor for the Berlin concerts next June, which iirc go on sale in January… I'm beginning to wonder if we'll get any update on his situation before that sale starts.

 

38 minutes ago, Concert Attendee said:

I have an opportunity to attend one of these nights, but unsure which would be the best to attend, and (not to sound like a prude) but if it would even be worth the cost of flight/hotel to attend and potentially John Williams not even being present.  If you were all betting people, what would you wager would be John Williams involvement on any of these dates/performances?

 

Considering your many doubts, your user name seems suspiciously decisive.

[Jurassic Shark 14,970]

It just means he's attended at least one concert. 

[Smeltington 1,753]

1 hour ago, Marian Schedenig said:

He's also still listed as the conductor for the Berlin concerts next June, which iirc go on sale in January… I'm beginning to wonder if we'll get any update on his situation before that sale starts.

 

 

This will be interesting to see. I'm also starting to wonder what they'll do about Film Night at Tanglewood, which is usually announced in early February.

[Mr. Hooper 5,063]

6 hours ago, Marian Schedenig said:

He's also still listed as the conductor for the Berlin concerts next June, which iirc go on sale in January… I'm beginning to wonder if we'll get any update on his situation before that sale starts.

If the tickets for Berlin go on sale with Williams still listed as the conductor, I have to believe that it's because he's feeling confident enough about attending.

 

At least, that's what I'd need to believe after buying one, and reserving a flight and hotel.

[micah 13]

10 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

If the tickets for Berlin go on sale with Williams still listed as the conductor, I have to believe that it's because he's feeling confident enough about attending.

 

At least, that's what I'd need to believe after buying one, and reserving a flight and hotel.

Can only hope so after booking a ticket and flights from Australia. 

[Smeltington 1,753]

10 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

If the tickets for Berlin go on sale with Williams still listed as the conductor, I have to believe that it's because he's feeling confident enough about attending.

 

Yeah, it would be a good sign. Still, you have to be prepared for the possibility that he won't be able to be there, although that's pretty much been true for a long time already.

[Tom 5,605]

19 hours ago, Jurassic Shark said:

It just means he's attended at least one concert. 

Actually, just one.  Otherwise it would be Concerts Attendee.  

[Pawel P. 822]

Sound the Bells!
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra

 

Intermission

 

Olympic Fanfare and Theme
Excerpts from Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Three Selections from Indiana Jones­
“Princess Leia’s Theme” from Star Wars: A New Hope
“Adventures on Earth” from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

 

https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3103/2025-04-03/yo-yo-ma-williams-dudamel

 

 

A fairly standard program, except for the "Concerto for Cello and Orchestra". The encore will probably be "Yoda" and "Vader". Dudamel will probably conduct the first part.

 

The most important thing is that it confirms that the maestro seems to be getting better  

 

Berlin becomes a bit more likely! 

[JohnnyD 1,531]

Excellent news.

[Tom 5,605]

I would guess the encores will include SL or cello or the trio version that features Ma.  The cello/violin Duel might happen too, if Ma is willing to come back out for such things.  

 

If I were running the show, I would do this never performed gem:

 

 

[Once 903]

2 hours ago, Pawel P. said:

Sound the Bells!
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra

 

Intermission

 

Olympic Fanfare and Theme
Excerpts from Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Three Selections from Indiana Jones­
“Princess Leia’s Theme” from Star Wars: A New Hope
“Adventures on Earth” from E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial

 

https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3103/2025-04-03/yo-yo-ma-williams-dudamel

 

 

A fairly standard program, except for the "Concerto for Cello and Orchestra". The encore will probably be "Yoda" and "Vader". Dudamel will probably conduct the first part.

 

The most important thing is that it confirms that the maestro seems to be getting better  

 

Berlin becomes a bit more likely! 

Very promising that Williams is listed as conductor!

[Miguel Andrade 1,519]

59 minutes ago, Tom said:

I would guess the encores will include SL or cello or the trio version that features Ma.  The cello/violin Duel might happen too, if Ma is willing to come back out for such things.  

 

If I were running the show, I would do this never performed gem:

 

 

 

Ma has been doing excerpts from the Three Pieces for Solo Cello (usually Pickin', but occasionally Rosewood too) every time he plays the Concerto. Doesn't mean he won't do Schindler instead, just saying what has been the most common choice.

[ZackR 167]

Fingers crossed Williams is actually able to be there/conduct. Seeing him conduct is a bucket list item of mine and I have tickets for my daughter and me! So excited.

[Mr. Hooper 5,063]

For what it's worth, Ma played SL as the encore after the Concerto at Carnegie Hall last year.

[BB-8 4,983]

9 hours ago, Once said:

Very promising that Williams is listed as conductor!

But only for the April 3rd gig...

[Miguel Andrade 1,519]

6 hours ago, Mr. Hooper said:

For what it's worth, Ma played SL as the encore after the Concerto at Carnegie Hall last year.

 

Ah, great. Didn't remember that one.

[KVDD 0]

18 hours ago, ZackR said:

Fingers crossed Williams is actually able to be there/conduct. Seeing him conduct is a bucket list item of mine and I have tickets for my daughter and me! So excited.

Bucket list for me too! But I was to late for tickets sadly. Any idea if LA Phil tickets go on resale elsewhere? I’ve never been, but would make the trip down for this. 

[clairdelune 2]

Back in September last year, I bought tickets for the 4th April evening performance, and today after reviewing the program that they finally put up on the LA Phil website earlier this month I was so disappointed to find out that John Williams may not even be present as a guest. I even contacted them via phone to make sure I’m not misunderstanding ‘curator’. With his old age and health I was trying to not get hyped up but this is just terrible. This was a bucket list item for my husband and me to watch John Williams conduct. I’m really disappointed with LA Phil. They never put up the program while selling the tickets and now that everything is sold they put up a bad second program. This is a bad way to overcharge people who are already flying into your city for a concert.

[Jay 42,388]

What program are you referring to, got a link or a pic or something?

Because the official website still says he is conducting:

    Los Angeles Philharmonic
    Gustavo Dudamel, conductor
    John Williams, conductor and curator
    Yo-Yo Ma, cello

 

https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3103/2025-04-03/yo-yo-ma-williams-dudamel

[Thor 9,308]

15 hours ago, clairdelune said:

Back in September last year, I bought tickets for the 4th April evening performance, and today after reviewing the program that they finally put up on the LA Phil website earlier this month I was so disappointed to find out that John Williams may not even be present as a guest. I even contacted them via phone to make sure I’m not misunderstanding ‘curator’. With his old age and health I was trying to not get hyped up but this is just terrible. This was a bucket list item for my husband and me to watch John Williams conduct. I’m really disappointed with LA Phil. They never put up the program while selling the tickets and now that everything is sold they put up a bad second program. This is a bad way to overcharge people who are already flying into your city for a concert.

 

I understand your frustration, I really do (I had the same thing happen to me in London in 2018), but I think we are in that phase now where Williams may or may not appear, depending on health circumstances. Same thing for Morricone in his final years. It's a gamble.

[Smeltington 1,753]

8 minutes ago, Thor said:

I had the same thing happen to me in London in 2018

 

WE had the same thing happen to US, collectively... the whole forum! And it was tragic!

 

 

9 minutes ago, Thor said:

I think we are in that phase now where Williams may or may not appear, depending on health circumstances. Same thing for Morricone in his final years. It's a gamble.

 

He's already had to cancel occasional concerts unexpectedly for most of the 15 years I've been going to see him. So this has been true for a while, but still, now more than ever the odds aren't in our favor. Unfortunately, if you travel to see him, you have to be prepared to accept that the concert will very likely happen without him.

[BB-8 4,983]

37 minutes ago, Jay said:

What program are you referring to, got a link or a pic or something?

Because the official website still says he is conducting:

    Los Angeles Philharmonic
    Gustavo Dudamel, conductor
    John Williams, conductor and curator
    Yo-Yo Ma, cello

 

https://www.laphil.com/events/performances/3103/2025-04-03/yo-yo-ma-williams-dudamel

April 4 only say 'curator':

[Jay 42,388]

Ohhhhhhhh I see it now, there's a difference between April 3 and April 4.  Got it.

[Toillion 387]

Huh. Even if Williams only conducts on the 3rd, why would the program on the 4th be so much shorter?

I remember looking at these a while back and he was only listed as curator on the 4th and conductor on the 3rd. But the program wasn't listed so I also be frustrated with the shortened program. 

He is also listed as curator for the 5th/6th concerts. Those are more focused on film scores. 

[clairdelune 2]

Yep exactly, the shorter program on the 4th (that I bought tickets for 6 months in advance!) and then JW being listed as just curator is what is making me mad at LA Phil. Nothing to do with JW, he is an old person, if he has to cancel I totally get it. That’s life, no complaints. We would be over the moon if he can even make it in person. It’s the dishonesty by LA Phil where if you buy tickets for a weekday performance (hard for most people, esp. travellers) then JW, if he is present, is listed as the conductor for part of a LONG program. But for the Friday night performance he is only the curator in addition to the program being shorter and completely conducted by Dudamel. This is on LA Phil.
 

We are a young couple who never really had the chance to see JW in his healthier years. I kept an eye to secure the tickets asap to stay within our budget for good seats. We tried to do everything right, so it’s a shame that it looks like it will mostly be an empty trip for us. 

[vader28X 0]

On 08/01/2025 at 12:06 PM, KVDD said:

Bucket list for me too! But I was to late for tickets sadly. Any idea if LA Phil tickets go on resale elsewhere? I’ve never been, but would make the trip down for this. 

@ZackR I'm also looking at buying re-sale tickets for the April 3rd concert. Did you buy yours as re-sale tickets? I'm looking at VividSeats and SeatGeek, but it's concerning to spend $1k/ticket when the sites say delivery by April 2nd (the day prior). I'm hesitant to buy airline tickets, book a hotel, and spend $2k on tickets from a re-sale site, when there's a chance it could all fall apart last minute. Has anyone had experience with either of these sites? 

[Keith 63]

I was there last night in Miami.     Naturally was sad John couldn't be there and hope he gets well soon.    The evening was still wonderful.   To make up for John's absence they played extra music that was not listed as part of the program.     They did Superman,  Harry Potter,  2 pieces from Jaws (Barrel Chase and Out to Sea), Dracula, and then 2 pieces from Star Wars (the first i think it was the Main Title Theme and the second was Imperial March).   If John had been there I heard he was going to conduct the Imperial March.     For those who are wondering about his health, they showed a video before hand that he made from Los Angeles where he apologized for not being able to be in Miami and he looked and sounded a lot better than i had imagined.    I am going to the April 3 show in Los Angeles and i hope he will be there.    A much easier performance for him to make since he doesn't have to fly to it.   After the Miami performance i got to meet the conductor Stephane Daneve and i said to him that i hope John will be at that performance and he said "i think he will....i think he will".    Which made me feel better since he is friends with John Williams.

[Pawel P. 822]

2 minutes ago, Keith said:

 For those who are wondering about his health, they showed a video before hand that he made from Los Angeles where he apologized for not being able to be in Miami and he looked and sounded a lot better than i had imagined.  

 

  

[Jay 42,388]

7 minutes ago, Keith said:

For those who are wondering about his health, they showed a video before hand that he made from Los Angeles where he apologized for not being able to be in Miami and he looked and sounded a lot better than i had imagined.

 

Great news!

[Taikomochi 1,327]

Is this the first actual proof of life (outside of friends and colleagues just saying he was recovering) that we’ve had since he started canceling concerts? Excellent news if he seemed well. 

[JohnnyD 1,531]

52 minutes ago, Keith said:

For those who are wondering about his health, they showed a video before hand that he made from Los Angeles where he apologized for not being able to be in Miami and he looked and sounded a lot better than i had imagined.    I am going to the April 3 show in Los Angeles and i hope he will be there.    A much easier performance for him to make since he doesn't have to fly to it.   After the Miami performance i got to meet the conductor Stephane Daneve and i said to him that i hope John will be at that performance and he said "i think he will....i think he will".    Which made me feel better since he is friends with John Williams.

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the concert in Miami as I planned.

That is indeed wonderful news.

[Keith 63]

The New World Symphony building was built exclusively for orchestras.  The seating is stadium seating for both the orchestra looking at the audience  and for the crowd that is facing the orchestra.  The acoustics, sound system and many video screens are all state of the art. I always wanted to hear John’s music performed live and done up royally and it sure was a great night.  The night was a Gala and it was black attire required.  Even the security and orchestra was wonderfully dressed.  For those wondering what music piece sounded the best:  it was all fantastic but Superman was far and away my favorite of the night even though Jaws  is my all time favorite movie.  I’m new here and live in South Florida and I’m sorry if my posts are too long.

Forgot to mention that when they showed John’s video to the Miami audience he specifically said “due to a small medical issue and I can assure that it’s a small medical issue”

[Once 903]

No, it wonderful to have long posts describing the evening for those of us who couldn't attend, @Keith! 

[Jurassic Shark 14,970]

On 31/01/2025 at 3:55 PM, Thor said:

I think we are in that phase now where Williams may or may not appear, depending on health circumstances.

 

And whether Daisy or Anne Sophie will be there. 

 

On 31/01/2025 at 3:55 PM, Thor said:

Same thing for Morricone

 

I don't think he'll be able to make it. 

[Davis 3,949]

3 hours ago, Keith said:

and he looked and sounded a lot better than i had imagined. 

I’m glad he looked and sounded good, but let’s not forget that these videos can be tricky. Let’s hope he can walk on his own and doesn’t require a wheelchair. For some reason I don’t want to see him looking fragile.

 

I understand why he wants to keep doing these concerts, but when his health and his life is at stake, he should be able to stop. I mean I see how many people

around the world are making expensive plans to see him and they pray for months if he can make it or not. Too many people are counting on him and if he can’t go, in a way he lets them down, even if people say they understand, but you can do this to major orchestras and their audiences only so many times. The fact that so soon before the ticket availability they announced that he would only conduct half of the programme is kind of a letdown, for those who had been planning to see him conduct as he did the last time. So if they just changed this, they can announce that he won’t attend anytime, after people have already purchased their tickets. I understand each side, but John Williams is 93 years old and just because he feels like he can do something doesn’t necessarily mean that hundreds of people working at the orchestras and venues on the other side of the world can or should risk these concerts where the possibility of Williams not being able to attend is very high. People who bought expensive tickets and are spending a lot of money on their trip to Berlin deserve to see John Williams conduct, not a substitute. 

[Keith 63]

5 minutes ago, Davis said:

I’m glad he looked and sounded good, but let’s not forget that these videos can be tricky. Let’s hope he can walk on his own and doesn’t require a wheelchair. For some reason I don’t want to see him looking fragile. 

Agree.  Hopefully he can walk again but at his age it must be hard for sure.  Over the years I have seen a few performers do their show sitting down or in a wheel chair.  John is in his twilight years and if he is not well enough to conduct on April 3 then I hope he can atleast be there to witness his music live again in person.  How many more times can that happen???  Only God knows.

[Jurassic Shark 14,970]

2 hours ago, Keith said:

After the Miami performance i got to meet the conductor Stephane Daneve

 

How did you manage to meet him?

[Davis 3,949]

He walked in front of him.

[Jurassic Shark 14,970]

14 minutes ago, Keith said:

Agree.  Hopefully he can walk again

 

Do we know he was unable to walk?

[Thor 9,308]

There are always these discussions now, about what he could and should do, and what he can't and shouldn't. Just take it as it comes, is my advice; there's no need to opine so much about it.

 

Meanwhile, if you need a little hope and promise, do check out this video from last year, when the world's oldest film composer, Johnny Pate, turned 100. And looking like he's 80! He's 101 now, making John Williams look like a kid!