In an exceptional performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the songstress captures the hearts and souls of her captive audience
By John Lavitt
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 12/4/23 – There is no doubt that Ellie Goulding has had a busy 2023. In the past, she has sold over fifteen million albums as one of Britain’s most successful female pop artists.
Still, she took her life to new heights in 2023, releasing a new album, writing a book, and giving birth to her first child at the end of April. Having also moved to the small (by London and Los Angeles standards) hamlet of Gloucestershire village, the year has been a whirlwind for the thirtysomething artist.
Thus, it makes sense that Ellie Goulding would cap off such a year with a performance with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra at the legendary Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The orchestra was led by the charismatic conductor Derrick Skye.
Despite giving a lovely performance where she had the audience, filled with genuine fans, in the palm of her hand, Ellie Goulding is never satisfied. On her Instagram, she wrote:
“Last night at the Walt Disney Hall. Such a beautiful evening with you all. In the spirit of honesty, I post these feeling a little blue, a little overwhelmed, a little disheartened. Just in case anyone needed any solidarity today of all days. I’m right there with you When everything is just a bit offbeat, and it is hard to find clarity.
“Realised that I casually post these glam photos daily making it look like I’m some kind of invincible show machine… I’m really not… I am far from it! I am beyond grateful for my son, who will always make me feel pure joy, no matter WHAT… and grateful that I have this extraordinary way to purge through my music and better yet, get to have you guys there with me in the room, making me giggle and shouting various words of encouragement to this shy English girl when you know I’m a lil overcome.
“Saying all this… I’m probably just tired. I need some nature. But the short story is… thank you for being there with/for me and thank you for letting me take off my shoes. I’m just not a heels girl.”
After such a momentous year, it is not surprising that Ellie Goulding felt a little overwhelmed and more than a little tuckered. After all, she has given so much for so long to her fans, performing worldwide and releasing numerous records.
Perhaps one of the highlights of the night was when she sang her famous cover of Elton John’s “Your Song.” Originally covered for an automobile television spot, it became one of her biggest hits in her native UK.
The song’s opening lyrics perfectly capture Ellie Goulding and the emotions behind her Instagram post: “It’s a little bit funny / This feelin’ inside / I’m not one of those who can easily hide.” As Ellie Goulding revealed herself on the Walt Disney Concert Hall stage, it was clear that she was not one of those who could easily hide.
Instead, she tells her truth and revels in her connection to her audience. The intimacy of her stage banter was both funny and meaningful. She reveals her insecurities and asks the audience to help her overcome these fears and human foibles.
As a composer and conductor, Skye was perfect for leading the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra when they played with Goulding. As the LA Phil website describes, Skye is “known for his transcultural approach to music, integrating diverse musical practices from cultures around the world into his work.”
Conducting the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in the LA Phil’s home, one might ask, What is the difference between a symphony orchestra and a philharmonic orchestra? Although some music critics might go on and on about compositional or numeric differences, the short answer tends to be the best: There honestly is very little difference.
However, Skye is a very different conductor from Gustavo Dudamel. While Dudamel is a force of nature, like an awe-inspiring tornado who might have engulfed Ellie Goulding and intensified her nervousness, Skye is like a virtuoso dancer with the grace of Nijinsky as the faun and the undeniable trust of his orchestra. Indeed, while Dudamel is building castles on land and in the sky, Derrick Skye ignores his namesake and plays in the sandbox. However, his play’s artistry and compassion help to give Ellie a sense of home in the Walt Disney Concert Hall with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
reflective moment at the Walt Disney Concert Hall (Photo by Jasmine Safaeian)
An apt example is when Goulding was having trouble with her high heels on the Disney stage. They were not tripping her up as much as hurting her feet. Although she talked about taking off her heels, she soldiered on for a while, dealing with the discomfort.
When she finally decided in the show’s second half to kick off her shoes, Skye wanted to make sure that she did not feel embarrassed or alone. Therefore, he immediately kicked off his shoes as well. The gesture brought laughs and softened the blow for the singer.
Mind you, Goulding’s audience did not care for a moment that she had kicked off her shoes. Their expectations are not about proprieties but intimacies. At heart, they want to be deeply connected to her. After all, Ellie Goulding is like Wendy from Peter Pan, grown up and living in the real world. Although she remains proper and quite British, she still glitters and glows with the magic of fairy dust and the wonders of Neverland.
At the Walt Disney Concert Hall, such wonders returned as Ellie Goulding gave her admirers a performance to remember by fostering a connection that will never be forgotten.
Photos courtesy of Ellie Goulding and the LA Phil