The Los Angeles Music Center

I soooo remember when the Music Center was built, between 1964 and 1967 on Bunker Hill (Welton Becket and Associates, architect).  It was a major deal for Los Angeles.  Thank you, Buffy Chandler.  The Philharmonic Auditorium on Olive St., that had been housing the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra since 1920, closed.  I do remember attending a performance of the L.A. Civic Light Opera presentation of "Oklahoma" at the Phil when I was a small girl.  It was such a hassle getting downtown, parking, etc.  Once the Music Center was built with ample parking, it was so much easier attending performances.  In the old days, everyone took the street car downtown.  Once the street car lines were taken out and the automobile ruled the L.A. roads, more parking was required.  The Music Center was modern, sleek and glamorous!  We visited often.

The glamorous chandeliers at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion. 1965.

Photo from Water & Power Associates Website

1965. Water & Power Collection.  7,000 fans wait in line for tickets to see "Hello Dolly."

For a few years, around 2012, 2013, The Music Center sponsored Christmas Ukulele programs and Strummers in the Summer. It was so much fun actually playing ukulele at the Dorothy Chandler Auditorium. I felt like a REAL musician!

I cannot wait for performances to return to The Los Angeles Music Center! Hopefully, after June 15th, when Covid restrictions are lifted we will be able to enjoy all that Los Angeles has to offer!