In a career that spanned nearly seventy years, Bruno Walter performed and recorded in many of world’s most illustrious venues: Paris, Vienna, London, New York, Amsterdam, Berlin and Leipzig. But his final chapter would be written in Hollywood, at American Legion Hall. This is that story.
Among the many sights and activities visitors to Los Angeles can partake of is the beautiful and historic American Legion Theater at 2035 North Highland Avenue. Also known as Post 43, it is the largest theater in America owned and operated by US military veterans. With a seating capacity of 484 seats, and boasting a state-of-the-art digital projection and sound systems as well as 35mm and 70mm capabilities, this 33,000-square-foot Egyptian revival Art Deco venue, with its stirring military motif, is a vibrant part of LA’s arts and entertainment scene. And this was also where Columbia Masterworks documented the final phase not only of Bruno Walter’s recording career, but also that of Igor Stravinsky, in addition to taping a number of other remarkable artists and performances.