Philharmonic begins saying its goodbyes

In a blur of bittersweet goodbyes, fans of the Los Angeles Philharmonic celebrated the orchestra’s final benefit gala at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion while anticipating its October opening just a block away. “I’ve had great moments in this building, and we’re grateful for the foundations that were laid here -- but I don’t think we’ll miss it when we move to the new Walt Disney Concert Hall,” music director Esa-Pekka Salonen told the thousands gathered for the historic “A Russian Winter Celebration” on Dec. 13. “It’s about time for us to get a custom-built concert hall. And to those generous people who have made the Walt Disney Concert Hall possible, thank you ever so much.”

Via a film clip, former music director Zubin Mehta -- who headed up the orchestra at the opening of the pavilion in 1964 -- also addressed the audience: “I cannot tell you how many memories I have of this magnificent edifice.... The pavilion, in those days, was like an acropolis in the middle of nowhere. Look what’s happened to it now!”

Singer-actress Diahann Carroll welcomed concertgoers, among them supporters who paid $1,000 each to attend the performance, post-concert supper and auction, which grossed $650,000. “Celebrating the final gala of the L.A. Philharmonic at the Dorothy Chandler -- the very thought brings mixed emotions,” Carroll said from a stage flanked with towering sprays of scarlet roses. “I was fortunate to appear at one of the opening dedication concerts. What an occasion it was. I was invited to perform by Mr. Nat King Cole -- can you imagine that?”

After the concert, which included violinists Sarah Chang and Pinchas Zukerman performing Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor and the orchestra’s ravishing rendition of Stravinsky’s “The Firebird,” about 400 guests swept into the pavilion’s Grand Hall to enjoy a sit-down feast of Uzbek-style grilled lamb and fine wines. “Tonight’s performance is bittersweet. We’ve had many years in this wonderful hall, and now we have a glorious new building designed by Frank Gehry for Esa-Pekka Salonen,” said philanthropist Andrea Van de Kamp. Chimed Gehry, her dinner partner: “This is exciting for me. It means we are one notch closer to the opening.”