Dirty Projectors with the LA Phil @ The Walt Disney Concert Hall [3/2/2024]

Walking into such a renowned concert hall knowing I was about to see one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world, I had some high expectations. What I failed to realize was that even the opener of the night, Phil Elverum, would way exceed my expectations. Elverum performed songs form throughout his career, including his projects named Mount Eerie and The Microphones.

Photo by Brian Rapaport

With just two men and a couple of guitars, Elverum was capable of capturing the attention of all in attendance. It was clear why David Longstreth, the lead singer and songwriter of the Dirty Projectors, had taken such inspiration from Elverum. It was an unbelievably intimate moment shared between performers as Elverum opened the performance and set the tone for the rest of the performance,

From the moment David Longstreth and the Dirty Projectors took the stage, the audience’s silence overtook the hall, as everyone waited for the first note of their performance. The power of his voice, backed by one of the best orchestras in the world, was immediately jaw-dropping, a moment of pure musical prowess.

In a groundbreaking fusion of indie rock and classical prowess, Dirty Projectors took the stage of the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall alongside the esteemed Los Angeles Philharmonic for a performance unlike any other. While the venue is known for its classical and more traditional setting, the inclusion of Dirty Projectors brought a fresh and unexpected twist, highlighting the band’s penchant for innovation and boundary-pushing.

Photo by Brian Rapaport

Dirty Projectors, known for their intricate guitar work, R&B influences, and rich vocal harmonies, brought their unique brand of musical experimentation to the forefront. But what set this performance apart was their focus on environmental activism, a theme that resonated deeply throughout the evening.

The centerpiece of the performance was the premiere of “Song of the Earth,” a song cycle for orchestra and voices composed by Dirty Projectors leader David Longstreth. Drawing inspiration from Gustav Mahler’s “Das Lied Von Der Erde” and Brian Wilson’s symphonic compositions, “Song of the Earth” delved into the cyclical nature of life and death, the beauty of nature, and the impermanence of all things.

Through their music, Dirty Projectors conveyed a powerful message about the urgent need for environmental stewardship. From ethereal ballads to powerful anthems, each song served as a rallying cry for environmental activism, urging listeners to cherish and protect the planet for future generations.

But beyond lyrics that touched on the state of the Earth, the music itself gripped the audience and somehow portrayed the severity of the world’s situation. The dramatic crescendos and repeated key changes led to an emotional rise from the audience, as there was not a dry eye in the hall by the end of the set.

The collaboration between Dirty Projectors and the LA Philharmonic was nothing short of magical. The orchestra’s lush arrangements provided a stunning backdrop for Dirty Projectors’ intricate melodies and heartfelt lyrics, creating a symphonic experience that was so genuine and deeply resonating.

Photo by Brian Rapaport

Photo by Brian Rapaport

One of the most striking aspects of the performance was the diversity of the audience. From young fans to seasoned concertgoers, people of all ages came together to witness this groundbreaking collaboration. It was a testament to the universal appeal of Dirty Projectors’ new-age sound, the LA Phil’s steady fan base, and the power of art to unite people across generations.

In a world grappling with pressing environmental challenges, Dirty Projectors’ message couldn’t be more timely or relevant. Through their music, they remind us of the beauty and fragility of the natural world, urging us to take action to preserve it for generations to come.

This fragility was further represented when the orchestral accompaniment left the stage, leaving just Dirty Projectors alone on stage in the huge concert hall. Such a pure version of their vocal and musical talent was so symbolic of the environment’s vulnerability in our hands.

This concert left me with a range of unexpected emotions. We so often see people promoting the use of art over war, but it is so easily overlooked as a lost cause. It is not until we have reminders of just how powerful art can be that that kind of change actually seems possible. And that’s exactly what this night felt like – a true reflection of how music can be politically motivating, emotionally moving, and incredibly technically impressive at the same time.