By Julian MITCHELL

Los Angeles in the summer can be unforgiving for tourists and locals alike. Whether it is the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier or Disneyland, being outside is the place to be in LA.

However, everyone needs a break from the heat. On Sunday, the Walt Disney Concert Hall was the perfect place for that break. Whether going for the magical music or the astounding architecture, the Concert Hall has something for everyone.

The Sunday afternoon show was the first of five summer concerts by the California Philharmonic led by Maestro Victor Vener. Vener is known for blending classical music with more modern themes and tunes. This concert was titled “Beethoven Meets the Beatles.”

The orchestra performed one of the best-known classical works of all time, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. An excitement radiated throughout the Concert Hall crowd as soon as those first four iconic notes were played. Vener had spent nearly an hour before the performance talking with the crowd. There he explained that, although many meanings have been theorized as to what those four notes might represent, Vener himself thinks only of them as music, nothing more. Vener, who had lots to say, also encouraged the audience to clap in-between each of the four movements of the symphony, something typically thought of as taboo during orchestral performances. The maestro explained that in Beethoven’s time it was standard behavior.

“If UCLA scores a touchdown, what do you want to do?” Vener asked.

But not all were prepared for properly showing their appreciation.

“Stop!” Vener interjected when the audience instinctually clapped during the performance. “The quarter isn’t over yet.”

After the conclusion of the symphony, it was time for the Beatles. Well, in actuality, it was the Fab Four.

The Fab Four is one of the most revered Beatles tribute bands across the globe. More than a cover group, the band does spot-on impressions of all four members of the original Fab Four, even going as far as to include costume changes to represent each era of Beatles’ history. The group even won an Emmy in 2013 for its television special.

After intermission, the group came out and started playing some of the Beatles original hits such as “She Loves You” and “Twist and Shout.” Many in the crowd were taken back to the days of the “Ed Sullivan Show,” cheering, screaming and dancing along with the music of the Beatles. Even Vener got up and did the twist with members of his orchestra.

While most people never had the opportunity to see the Beatles, the Fab Four did a great job of bringing their music to life. The pairing of  “Yesterday” with accompaniment from the Cal Philharmonic created one of the most peaceful and beautiful pieces of music of the day. Adding to the song’s quiet nature, the orchestra filled the entire hall with the sensational melodies.

Beatles’ music and a full orchestra can only mean one thing: “All You Need is Love.” One of the Beatles’ all time great songs was played live, in a nearly identical fashion to its original recording.

The Fab Four tour often and will be coming to the Starlight Bowl in Burbank on July 20. For those hoping to see the California Philharmonic, there are still five shows left, all themed similarly to the Beatles show. Visit calphil.com for dates and information.

“Every year we’ve done it, it has been amazing,” said Kevin Baines, chairman of Cal Phil, of the themed shows.

  Julian MITCHELL