A season of showing off the Bowl

Though still behind scaffolding, a new Hollywood Bowl shell -- 30% larger and encompassing a revolving stage and other state-of-the-art technology -- is the biggest news of the 2004 summer season at the venerable venue. But a host of events meant to show off its improved acoustics are also planned, Los Angeles Philharmonic Assn. officials announced at a news conference Thursday.

Conductor John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra will open the 83rd summer season with the Fifth Annual Hollywood Bowl “Hall of Fame” Ceremony on June 25. The program, which benefits music education programs, will feature vocalist Josh Groban. Mauceri will subsequently lead the Bowl ensemble in, among others concerts, programs devoted to TV and film music (July 9 and Sept. 5, respectively) and to Howard Shore’s six-movement “Lord of the Rings Symphony” (Sept. 21). Mauceri will also lead a performance of Puccini’s opera “Turandot” (Aug. 15).

Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen will open the classical series on July 13 with a production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” incorporating Mendelssohn’s complete score for the play. The production will be staged in collaboration with the Glendale-based A Noise Within theater company.

Other Philharmonic highlights include Salonen conducting Mahler’s “Resurrection” Symphony (July 15), Marin Alsop guest-leading a staged performance of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass” (Aug. 19) and Philharmonic associate conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya leading a performance of Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” with the Martha Graham Dance Company (Sept. 9).

In other summer events, the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago will dance Act II of “The Nutcracker” (July 16-18), soprano Renee Fleming will sing opera arias and musical theater selections (July 27), k.d. lang will make her first appearances with the Philharmonic (July 30 and 31), Mauceri will lead the Bowl Orchestra in a staged version of the musical “Mame” (Aug. 1) and the Bluegrass band Nickel Creek will make its Bowl debut (Sept. 3-4).

The Wednesday night jazz series will include a Count Basie Centennial Celebration on July 28, Terence Blanchard as part of a “New Orleans Night” (Aug. 18), and the Dave Holand Big Band and the Michael Brecker Quindectet (Aug. 25).

The new shell, the fifth since the facility opened in 1922, replaces one built in 1929. The replacement, which preserves the Moderne curve of the previous shell, was designed by the Los Angeles-based firm of Hodgetts + Fung, with acoustic design by Christopher Jaffe of Jaffe Holden Acoustics.

It will be large enough to surround the Los Angeles Philharmonic onstage (previously some players sat outside the shell) and will incorporate a revolving stage that can be divided in half or thirds to speed up changes in performing acts or in staged scenes. A saucer-shaped canopy above the stage will hold banks of lights and also help reflect sound toward the audience.

Two large screens will flank the stage; another two will be placed on towers on the sides of the amphitheater so audiences can see close-ups of performers.

For more information, call (323) 850-2000.