Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra gala

Gustavo Dudamel conducts the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra in its season-opening concert with Herbie Hancock, right.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Pianist Herbie Hancock, who holds the L.A. Philharmonic creative chair for jazz, was soloist for the Gershwin gala.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Gustavo Dudamel, with his rhythmic flair, seems a Gershwin natural.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Herbie Hancock also performed “Embraceable You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Gustavo Dudamel and Herbie Hancock acknowledge the standing ovation from the appreciative audience.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

The season-opening gala was a festive occasion for the audience and the performers.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

A tent on Grand Avenue is transformed into a 1930s supper club for the after-concert party.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

From left, Eloisa Maturen with her husband Gustavo Dudamel, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Herbie Hancock at the after-party.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

The gala party followed the theme “Rhapsody in Blue.”  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Pianist Jean Yves Thibaudet at the gala party.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Herbie Hancock and music producer David Foster at the party.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

A conga line gets the evening going.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Jazz saxophonist Wayne Shorter and pianist Joanne Pearce Martin are among the guests at the party.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Gustavo Dudamel and his wife, Eloisa Maturen, are all smiles at the party.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Quincy Jones gives John Williams a kiss on the head while hugging Gustavo Dudamel.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

A floor show keeps with the period theme of a 1930s supper club.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)