Gen Z might not be that familiar with composer Henry Mancini, but he’s one of the most celebrated musicians of all time and the Hollywood Bowl paid tribute to him while opening the 2024 season!
Michael Buble and Cynthia Erivo were special guest artists joining conductor Thomas Wilkins on stage at the iconic venue on Sunday night (June 23) in Los Angeles.
While Mancini passed away in 1994, the Bowl threw him a 100th birthday celebration with all proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles Philharmonic and its learning and community programs.
Keep reading to find out more…
For those who don’t know, Mancini was a four-time Oscar winner off of 18 nominations and 20-time Grammy winner off of 72 nominations. He’s best known for writing songs like “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and “Days of Wine and Roses” from the movie of the same name. He also composed the Pink Panther theme!
During the Hollywood Bowl tribute concert, Cynthia performed “Days of Wine and Roses,” “Crazy World” with the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, and “Le Jazz Hot,” which brought the crowd to their feet. She watched the rest of the show from the audience, sitting alongside partner Lena Waithe and comedian Alex Edelman.
After intermission, Michael was introduced to the stage and performed “It Had Better Be Tonight” and “Moon River.”
Mancini‘s daughter Monica made a special appearance to perform two selections, including “Two for the Road,” which she said was her father’s favorite composition. The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra also played selections from the composer’s film score, with sax player Dave Koz joining them for two songs!
Check out the Hollywood Bowl calendar to see what else is happening this summer!
