Tovey, L.A. Phil probe depths of the Russian soul

British-born Bramwell Tovey opened his final concert this season as principal guest conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl with a knockout reading of "The Star-Spangled Banner" -- but that tune was written by a Brit. The question that remained to be answered Thursday was whether he could channel a Russian soul for a night of Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff.

By Rick Schultz

September 6, 2008