The “Emperor’s” Roundup

The California Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Music Director Dr. Victor Vener, celebrates grand, heroic classics when it presents “The ‘Emperor’s’ Roundup” on Sunday, Aug. 18,  at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

The orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5, “Emperor,” featuring virtuoso pianist and composer Daniel Lessner, and music celebrating the American West with Jerome Moross’ “The Big Country,” Elmer Bernstein’s “The Magnificent Seven,” Aaron Copland’s “Billy the Kid” and other selections.

The concert begins at 2 p.m., at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012. The ever popular “Talks With the Maestro” chats with Dr. Vener take place at 1 p.m. in Disney’s BP Hall.

Tickets range from $37.50 to $140 available at www.calphil.com and (323) 850-2000. Groups of 10 or more may call (323) 850-2050. Box office hours are Tuesday-Friday, 12 noon to 5 p.m. and 2 hours prior to performance.

Considered ahead of its time when it premiered in 1811, one critic described Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor” as “without doubt one of the most original, imaginative, most effective but also one of the most difficult of all concertos.”

“Emperor” will feature guest artist Daniel Lessner, who  has thrilled audiences around the world with his dazzling performances and poetic interpretations of the great masterworks of the piano repertoire. Critics have hailed his playing as “brilliant and blazing” and have called him “a musician of pristine artistic taste and discernment.”

The grandeur and heroic spirit of the West has been celebrated many memorable film scores. In addition to Moross’ “The Big Country,” Bernstein’s “The Magnificent Seven” and Copland’s “Billy the Kid,” Cal Phil will perform the Overture by Alfred Newman for “How The West Was Won,” Ennio Morricone’s haunting “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” Theme and John Williams’ Overture to “The Cowboys.”