Dude buys $2.8 million pad with pool

Dude buys $2.8 million pad with pool

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norman lebrecht

January 31, 2015

The LA Times reports a new dive into the property market by music director Gustavo Dudamel.

The residence in Los Feliz, for which he paid $2.775 million, is ‘a 1923 Four Square-style house with Mediterranean flair… the 3,600-square-foot house retains its Juliet balconies, high coved ceilings and large windows. [Plus] stylish new interiors, a state-of-the-art security system and an oversized kitchen, dining and living rooms, den, breakfast area, butler’s pantry, study, three bedrooms and four bathrooms. A swimming pool, gardens and patios complete the grounds.’

Not wildly extravagant, though. Dr Dre just sold his LA place for $32 million.

Here’s what $13 million buys in Los Feliz. Divide that by five.

 

los feliz

 

Comments

  • enemigopublico says:

    Need to ensure those Venezuelan children are well and truly saved from poverty. No half measures. Can’t have them slipping back.

  • Halldor says:

    Are GD’s performances generating sufficient box office and development income at the LA Phil to justify paying him this sort of money? I suppose it might be possible. It can’t possibly be recording income. But it’s still very hard to stomach the idea that anyone in the underfunded, underpaid world of classical music is still banking this sort of megastar money while orchestras, opera houses and education programmes are closing for want of funds.

    To think that we once all thought that Dudamel was part of the solution, not the problem. More fool us.

    • Anon says:

      LA Phil is far from being underpaid and underfunded. So why not? By LA standards its a relatively modest house for someone his caliber in the showbiz.

    • Wet Toast says:

      Bitter, party of one, your table is waiting.

    • John says:

      Actually, Halldor, I’d have to answer your question with a firm YES. I’d think that the fact that Dudamel and Disney Hall are helping ensure that one of the greatest orchestras in the world is playing so many sold-out performances at top dollar prices would justify whatever he is paid.

      I lived in LA during the 80s and 90s and even under Essa Pekka Salonen, the LA Phil at the old Music Center was a struggling affair. Right now they’re probably in the biggest heyday of their history, for which the new hall and this exciting conductor have had a major role. And I probably need to disclose that Gustavo is not near the top of the list of my favorite conductors, so this isn’t some kind of hometown idolatry. I have, however, heard three concerts in different parts of Disney Hall (none of which were conducted by GD), and that is one exciting and glorious space in which to hear music. Really, I have to say that I find your comment more than a bit churlish.

  • Robert Fitzpatrick says:

    At $770 per square foot in a nice California neighborhood, the price is far from outrageous. I have no comment on the LA Phil, Dudamel’s conducting, or Venezuelan politics. I admire his real estate acumen!

  • Martin Haub says:

    I have no problem with a classical musician being able to afford a nice place, and by LA standards it’s not that outrageous. No one seems to complain about the mega-salaries paid to ball players, actors, singers, etc. And the LA Phil musicians are well compensated for their playing. GD does bring in the patrons, and sells cds, lord knows why (his recent Mahler 7th is just so-so IMO). And the LA Phil manager sure draws an enormous salary. Still, it’s difficult to accept when so many orchestras and their talented musicians and conductors are going broke.

    • John says:

      Agreed. Real estate in LA isn’t cheap, and while Los Feliz is a really nice neighborhood (we have friends who live there), it’s certainly not the swankiest one in town. When I saw the list price he paid, my first reaction (as an ex-LA resident) was that it was as cheap as it was. The home really looks quite wonderful.

  • CDH says:

    I daresay top London conductors live IN London, which probably costs a great deal more. I suspect Pinchas Zukerman’s house in Ottawa cost as much.

  • Harry Kirschner says:

    “Here’s what $13 million buys in Los Feliz. Divide that by five.”

    It seems like the photo is not of the conductor’s house but one in that neighborhood. If so, the editorial sleight of hand is disingenuous. Many won’t see the caveat.

  • CDH says:

    No pool. The Dude did well.

  • Mark Henriksen says:

    Well, a few years back I paid $90 for a nosebleed seat at Disney Hall and was lucky to get it. So, in answer to your question he is putting butts in the seats and bringing in large donations.

  • Gonout Backson says:

    News from another world.

    Last Sunday, a presidential decree reduced the price of vodka in Russia by 16% (220 roubles a bottle (half a liter) to 185 roubles).

    In December only, the prices of food rose by 30%.

  • Rgiarola says:

    I can’t stand Dudamel as an artist in every way, but I won’t lie on it. For LA standards and due to his position the price is really modest.

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