A Forward Vision in the Arts

Completion of the Walt Disney Concert Hall is not only essential to the downtown revival of Los Angeles, but it is equally essential to the entire region’s long-term cultural vitality and continuing preeminence as the entertainment capital of the world.

Walt Disney Concert Hall will bring a world-class symphony hall to Los Angeles, creating an unparalleled environment for enjoying inspirational music, and giving the internationally acclaimed Los Angeles Philharmonic a home worthy of its reputation.

Architect Frank Gehry’s design will bring to Los Angeles the acoustical perfection of the great performance arenas of Tokyo and Amsterdam, with the unmatched intimacy of theater-in-the-round seating. The building will be nothing less than a new American landmark, an icon of Los Angeles, a symbol of the creative spirit and energy of one of the most famous cities on earth.

Southern Californians will benefit from the cultural opportunities that this expansion of the Los Angeles Music Center will bring to the region. Walt Disney Concert Hall is destined to become a favorite performance venue of accomplished artists and concert masters the world over, including those in our own backyard. And with a fourth performance venue, the Music Center’s four resident companies will have room to grow, develop and innovate. The Music Center will be able to significantly expand its offerings to include more touring Broadway shows, dance performances, classical recitals and popular concerts, enhancing its recognition as the performing arts center of Los Angeles County.

It was this vision of what a new symphony hall could represent that inspired the Disney family to contribute to this venture originally. It is this vision still that moves them and so many community leaders and others in the artistic community to continue to offer their full support and assistance, especially now.

Reasonable and realistic project costs have been firmly established. A fund-raising and development plan is now in place that reaches out to a broader audience of potential benefactors. Project management responsibilities and deadlines have been clearly defined. And a breathtaking yet functional design stands ready to build.

It’s time now for all of Southern California to lend its support and encouragement. It’s time, especially for those individuals, families and companies that have been so enriched by Los Angeles’ growth and development into one of the world’s great mega-metropolitan centers, to provide the remaining resources needed to build one of the finest concert halls of all time.