Disney Hall concert on Friday disrupted by drunk patron

A Friday evening concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall was disrupted by what Los Angeles Philharmonic officials described as a drunk audience member, causing conductor Gustavo Dudamel to halt a performance of John Corigliano’s Symphony No. 1 and leave the stage.

A spokeswoman for the orchestra confirmed that an “intoxicated” patron arrived late to the concert on Friday and was prevented by ushers from entering the hall mid-performance, as is customary for late arrivals. She said the individual became hostile to ushers and attempted to strike them.

At one point, the individual became extremely vocal and the verbal exchanges became audible in the performance hall. The patron also attempted to open a door to the hall in mid-performance.

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Dudamel halted the performance and left the stage about eight minutes into the Corigliano piece. The ushers eventually were able to move the patron away from the main hall and he left the premises. The conductor resumed the concert shortly thereafter.

News of the altercation was first reported by classical music blogger Norman LeBrecht. Friday’s concert was part of a series led by Dudamel featuring the Corigliano symphony and Brahm’s Symphony No. 2.

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