Hermosa Beach
Updated on Apr 29 2024 5:58am
Known as the world's largest natural amphitheater, it has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California since its opening in 1922. It is also considered one of the most celebrated cultural venues on Earth and the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
The Bowl has a rich history that spans over 90 years, and it has been the host venue for hundreds of musical events each year. From classical to pops, jazz to opera, and ballet to modern new age concerts, the Hollywood Bowl has something for everyone. In 2018, Rolling Stone magazine named it one of the 10 best live music venues in America.
The Hollywood Bowl is owned and operated by Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and jointly managed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. The Bowl is the home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. It features a museum, children's festivals, and picnic areas, making it a perfect destination for families.
The Bowl officially opened on July 11, 1922, and many of the key influential figures in its founding were women. Artie Mason Carter, a pianist, played a vital role in the early days of the Bowl's existence, thanks to her connections with Los Angeles arts patrons. Christine Wetherill Stevenson and Marie Rankin Clarke donated $21,000 to purchase the land on which the bowl was built. E.J. Wakeman, Leiland Atherton Irish, Harriet Clay Penman, and composers Gertrude Ross and Carrie Jacobs Bond all contributed to the Bowl through fundraising drives.
The Hollywood Bowl has had several house orchestras over the years. A "Bowl Orchestra" performed in 1925, and a "Hollywood Bowl Orchestra" made a live recording in 1928. Later, the "Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra" made several classical recordings under music director Leopold Stokowski from 1945 to 1946, and released a number of recordings on the Capitol Records label in the 1950s and 1960s.
If you are planning to visit the Hollywood Bowl, you will be delighted to know that it is set against the backdrop of the Hollywood Hills and the famous Hollywood Sign to the northeast. You can enjoy spectacular fireworks, classical, jazz, Latin salsa, and modern new age concerts during the summer season. The Bowl has something for everyone, and it has kept the public entertained with great music at affordable prices for over 90 years.
The Hollywood Bowl is a cultural landmark that has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California for over 90 years. As a venue for showcasing artistic greatness and celebrating our global cultural heritage, it has something for everyone. If you are planning to visit, make sure to check out their website for more information on upcoming events and tickets.
The Hollywood Bowl Museum, located at the bottom of Peppertree Lane, is a historical museum that features many exhibits showcasing the rich history of the Hollywood Bowl and its performances. The museum includes the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame, which honors notable performers such as John Williams, Stevie Wonder, and Frank Sinatra, among others. Visitors can explore exhibits such as "Summer Nights: Jazz at the Bowl," "Postcards from the Bowl," and "Concert Programs and Live from the Bowl," which feature vintage photographs, sound equipment, newspaper clippings, postcards, live video recordings, and live audio recordings. The Hollywood Bowl Museum also offers free admission and free self-guided and guided tours, as well as educational programs such as Music Mobile, which provides musical instrument lessons to students. If the museum is closed, visitors can still enjoy "The Bowl Walk," which features historical photographs of the Hollywood Bowl. Admission is FREE all year.