Cynthia Erivo Joins LA Philharmonic for Weekend Performance

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Renowned singer and actress Cynthia Erivo will perform with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on Saturday, April 19, as part of the “SURPRISE! Back with @cynthiaerivo like we never left” event. The performance will take place at the Outdoor Theatre, beginning at 6:25 p.m., under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel.

Erivo, known for her Tony Award-winning role as Celie in the 2015 Broadway revival of “The Color Purple” and her portrayal of Elphaba in the film adaptation of “Wicked,” is set to bring her talents to the famed orchestra.

The LA Phil’s weekend two performance comes off the heels of a successful first weekend featuring a variety of guest artists, including jazz-pop singer Laufey, Americana star Maren Morris, and Latin pop singer Becky G. Such collaborations have become a hallmark of the LA Phil’s programming, attracting a diverse audience.

“We are thrilled to bring such exceptional talent to our stage, particularly someone as gifted as Erivo,” Dudamel said. “Music has the power to connect people, and we look forward to an unforgettable evening.”

Saturday’s performance is part of a two-weekend framework that the LA Phil has embraced since 2012, but the experience can differ from weekend to weekend. The festival atmosphere, combined with the renowned venue’s acoustics, often leads to stunning performances.

The weather for the second weekend is expected to be milder than the previous one, which reached temperatures over 100 degrees. Festivalgoers from weekend one reported challenges with heat-related issues, leading to several medical incidents. Weekend two, however, has thus far been characterized by a cooler climate.

Quote from a festival attendee: “The cooler temperatures are a relief compared to last weekend’s heat. We’re excited for the performances and the overall experience this time around,” said festival-goer Sarah Thompson.

Saturday’s crowd is predicted to be larger, and preliminary reports suggest fewer lines for concessions compared to the previous weekend. Despite the favorable conditions, some popular performances have resulted in substantial crowd sizes, such as Kneecap’s set at the Sonora tent.

With expectations high for Erivo’s performance, the LA Phil has been known to incorporate pop elements into their classical repertoire, providing audiences with a unique musical experience that blurs genre lines. This blending of styles was particularly evident last weekend, where Dudamel partnered with artists across genres.

As the LA Phil continues its weekend performances, audiences remain eager to see how the lineup, including guest performers like Erivo, will unfold during this celebratory event. The performances aim to highlight not only the symphonic tradition but also the innovative spirit present within contemporary music.