The Walt Disney Concert Hall: Fun Facts and a Brief History

Walt Disney is best known as the creator of maybe the greatest film entertainment business we've ever seen.

Countless movies, TV shows, stories, and imaginations have been explored and birthed at the hands of the many creative souls at Disney studios. As a result, on October 24, 2003, the LA Philharmonic opened up the Walt Disney Concert-Hall in dedication to Disney, which stands today as one of the most acoustically-sound and sophisticated concert halls in all the world.

Whether you wish to pop in a favorite Disney Classic or settle in while enjoying a Bach concerto, here are some fun facts about this world-renown performing arts venue dedicated to the man who created the “Greatest Place on Earth:”

• Shortly after its opening, on September 30, 2004, famed and critically lauded operatic singer Todd Wilson became the first person to perform here with the LA Philharmonic.
• Disney hall houses movie premieres, as well. The hall’s first ever movie was the grand premiere of The Matrix Revolutions in 2003.
• Several movies have even had scenes filmed inside, such 2008’s Iron Man, 2008’s Get Smart, and 2009’s The Soloist.
• The concert hall has a restaurant inside named Patina, which is celebrity chef’s Joachim Splichal trademark fine dining establishment.
• The venue was designed by Canadian born architect Frank Gehrya
• Gehrya designed the exterior of the building specifically to give off the impression of “musical-movement.” His purpose was to convey the image of dance and expression.
• The project in total cost 274 million to build. Approximately 84 million in donations were provided by the Disney family.
• The Concert Hall has a capacity of 2,265
• There are over 6,500 stainless steel panels; none of which are the same size or shape.

Almost 15 years since its inception, the Walt Disney-Concert Hall has hosted hundreds of world renown conductors, jazz, and classical musicians. Herbie Hancock, Gustovo Dudamel, and Juan Felipe-Molono are a few of the world-class artists who head the staff at Disney Hall. Visit their website today to view their calendar for upcoming events.