L.A. Phil plans all-nighter

EVENTS staged by the L.A. Philharmonic typically conjure up stately performances to audiences decked out in evening wear. But the times -- not to mention the tunes -- they are a-changin’ as the L.A. Phil kicks off its Minimalist Jukebox concert series Saturday with an all-night electronic music performance featuring the U.K. forefathers of ambient house, the Orb, along with local artists Dntel, John Tejada and Boom Bip.

Though what is essentially a sit-down version of a rave party may seem an odd first movement for a festival that pays tribute to minimalist classical composers such as Terry Riley, Philip Glass and Steve Reich, the evening makes perfect sense for Adam Crane, director of publicity for the L.A. Philharmonic Assn.

“Minimalism isn’t just one kind of music,” Crane says. “Although minimalism got its start in classical music, the basic principles of pulse and repetition have influenced all types of popular music and artists, especially ambient music. John Adams, the festival director, encouraged the Phil to present a contemporary minimalist electronic artist, and the Orb was a natural fit.”

As for the Phil’s decision to start the show at 11:59 p.m. Saturday and go till 6 a.m. Sunday, that too seemed like a natural fit with the nocturnal headliners.

“That’s the way Alex [Paterson] and I describe our working rhythm,” the Orb’s Thomas Fehlmann says, “ ‘Kick it live from 9 to 5.’ ”

-- Liam Gowing

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The Orb

What: Kickoff for the L.A. Phil’s Minimalist Jukebox featuring the Orb, Dntel, John Tejada, Boom Bip, Dublab Soundsystem and Vello Virkhaus (sold out)

Where: Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., L.A.

When: 11:59 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday.

Price: $20 to $50

Info: (323) 850-2000