A Night for Romance and the Perfect Date Night in Los Angeles: Tchaikovsky under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl

Aug 19

Words By Asha Moné | Photos courtesy of LA Phil

Tchaikovsky Spectacular Fireworks Finale photo courtesy of LA Phil

San Francisco Ballet photo courtesy of LA Phil

Carlos Miguel Prieto photograph courtesy of LA Phil

Craving a romantic outing and a sensory reset from everyday chaos, I took a break from a tiring workweek and headed to the Hollywood Bowl with a friend, where we enjoyed the enchanting Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by Carlos Miguel Prieto.

The night brimmed with beauty. I closed my eyes, imagining graceful swan dances while Swan Lake, Op. 20's White Swan Pas de Deux from Act II filled the air and nude pointe shoes kissed the wood floors.

Building on that elegance, the Black Swan Pas de Deux from Act III marked a shift, as the talented dancers of the San Francisco Ballet took center stage.

This combination made for a perfect display of musical mastery and ballet’s fluidity, clearly showcasing how seamlessly the art form pairs with an orchestra.

While I’m not the biggest fan of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, the spectacular fireworks show was reminiscent of July 4th at Disney World. When paired with USC’s marching band, the performance made me feel as if I was watching toy soldiers fall into line inside a make-believe toy chest, with the Hollywood Bowl’s oval stage serving as the treasure chest.

As a huge lover of classical music, I admit Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, cliché as it may sound, is one of my favorite ballet pieces. It’s also one of the most-played vinyls in my collection. Nothing compares to hearing and seeing such an incredible work in a venue with amazing natural acoustics and state-of-the-art sound systems. It’s truly a bucket-list moment for all music lovers.

With all this in mind, if you're in the mood for an outdoor date—whether you want to dress up or keep it casual—I highly recommend this experience. Take advantage of the Hollywood Bowl’s BYOF (Bring Your Own Food) and BOYD (Bring Your Own Drinks) policies, and start planning the perfect date night on a budget. Fellas, don't wait—set your date and make it a night to remember!

Finally, for those interested in exploring classical music, especially Tchaikovsky, I recommend checking out the suggestions below and starting your musical journey today!