Named after Dorothy Buffum Chandler, construction on the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion commenced on March 9, 1962 and was completed 2 and a half years later in September 27, 1964. Approval for construction was received from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, under the promise that the building would be open free for the public each year for a single day. This day is known as the Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration and occurs on Christmas Eve. The venue’s first event was on December 6, 1964 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra performing Strauss, Schuman, Ottorino and Beethoven.

Dorothy Chandler Pavilion History

The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion is part of the Los Angeles Music Center with a capacity of 3197 seats across four tiers. The magnificent pavilion features wide curving stairways, beautiful hanging chandeliers and rich interior. The pavilion features 10 different areas, the orchestra section (premiere, center, main and ring), the circle section (grand and founders), the loge (front and rear) and finally the balconies (front and rear).

In 2003 the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and Master Chorale moved to the Walt Disney Hall, a new construction next to the pavilion, so now the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion homes the Los Angeles Opera and Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at the Music Center. Midnight Club: Los Angeles features the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in it’s attempt to recreate the Los Angeles cityscape.

Under the acclaimed Roger Wagner the Los Angeles Master Chorale is the only other founding resident company at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. The New York City Opera regularly tour and perform in the Pavilion with 1967’s tour featuring Madama Butterfly, La Traviata and Don Rodrigo. Plácido Domingo performed along side them in the early years. Other acclaimed and notable events include The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences annual Academy Awards ceremony between 1969 and 1999.