In 2013, the L.A. Philharmonic celebrated the 10th birthday of their famous venue, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, with a rather unique celebration. With 115 musicians, 35 chorus members, and 13 singer-actors, the ensemble reinterpreted the orchestral sections from Frank Zappa’s infamous film and album, “200 Motels”.
Now, two years later, 200 Motels: The Suites will be released on November 20th. The latest offering is from Ahmet Zappa, who is now in control of the Zappa Family Trust after the unfortunate death of Frank’s wife Gail Zappa, who passed away earlier this year.
The LA Times describes the performance as highly visual, with actors replicating scenes and musicians replicating scores laced throughout the film, though unfortunately no video was taken. Still, 200 Motels: The Suites should serve as a loving tribute to the original classic.
It remains one of the most unorthodox performances ever performed and recorded by the LA Philharmonic.