Violinist

LA Phil cello David Garrett curates this concert focused on Bohemian composers. Leoš Janáček’s String Quartet No. 2 has been called his “manifesto on love,” whereas Bohuslav Martinů’s Third String Quartet shows the influence of the time spent by the Czech composer in the oft-called “city of love,” Paris, where he absorbed French Impressionism from the likes of Debussy. The second half features a String Quintet—which adds a double bass to the standard string quartet—by the composer who pioneered the quintessential Bohemian voice, Antonín Dvořák.

EPSG:4326

Bohemian Strings

Walt Disney Concert Hall

LA Phil violin Jin-Shan Dai curates a wide-ranging program that offers the orchestra’s bass players a rare chance in the chamber music spotlight. Opening the night is the Concertino by Erwin Schulhoff, whose music blends the late-Romantic style of his mentor Dvořák with elements of post-WWI expressionism and even jazz. Prokofiev’s Quintet picks up that early-20th-century thread with unapologetic glee, chromaticism, and Stravinsky-inspired rhythmic flair. The second half of the concert pivots to one of Franz Schubert’s most popular and loved works, the leisurely and uplifting “Trout” Quintet.

Schubert and Prokofiev

The secret sauce to what makes Dvořák’s G-major String Quintet so delectable is its incorporation of warm, hearty Bohemian folk elements as well as a rich and mighty double bass. While bass with string quartet is a less common chamber music combo, it’s certainly a satisfying choice for this work, giving it a greater, more robust range.

Dvořák & Shostakovich

This program ends as it begins—with breathtaking string quintets! Mozart’s Third exudes an effortless joy and elegance, weaving playful melodies into lively and refined conversations between the instruments. Composer and LA Phil violist John Hayhurst’s Adagio is rather brief yet comforting, drawing inspiration from the final words of Emily Dickinson, Jane Austen, and Michael Lando.

Violinist

Jin-Shan Dai

Events

Upcoming events

Jan 20, 2026

Dvořák & Shostakovich · Los Angeles Philharmonic

Mar 17, 2026

Mozart & Benavides · Los Angeles Philharmonic

Past events

May 2, 2023

Bohemian Strings · Los Angeles Philharmonic

Feb 28, 2023

Schubert and Prokofiev · Los Angeles Philharmonic

Future and recently performed repertoire

Violin in String Quintet No. 2 by Dvořák

Los Angeles Philharmonic

Violin in String Quintet No. 3 by Mozart

Los Angeles Philharmonic

About

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