©Dan Porges
Dudamel and Los Angeles
And who wouldn’t, if they were in his shoes? At 28, he has achieved accolades even the most experienced maestros would covet: winner of the prestigious Bamberger Symphoniker Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition, the critical acclaim of numerous CDs, and most recently, a five-year position as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. That means the Venezuelan wunderkind is bringing his genius to LA, and in the music world, this is no small thing.The Classical World's Rock Star
The praise and acclaim for Dudamel is simply unheard of. The LA Times called him a “phenomenon,” mirroring a sentiment that has been heaped upon Dudamel since he was named Music Director of the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra at the tender age of 15. The New Yorker wrote, “He communicates his ideas with a zeal that even hardened professionals find irresistible.” Indeed, Dudamel possesses the rare talent of making classical music accessible, which means anyone with a taste for music will likely be blown away. If the classical world ever had rock star status, Dudamel with his boyish smile and free-spirited personality, would inevitably claim such a title.
The Makings of a GeniusYet, in interviews Dudamel expresses a personal philosophy of humility, stating that a conductor is merely a “bridge between the composer and the orchestra.” This is undoubtedly related to being brought up in Venezuela’s world-renowned music program, El Sistema, which takes close to a quarter million children off the street and puts an instrument in their hands. Dudamel still participates in the system as the Music Director of the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra, made up of Venezuela’s musical brothers and sisters.
Experience the Phenom
For both LA locals and visitors, Dudamel’s appointment as Music Director for the LA Philaharmonic is a unique opportunity to watch the phenomenon in action. His 2009 debut begins at Walt Disney Concert Hall on October 8 with Mahler’s Symphony No. 1. Throughout the 2009-2010 season, Dudamel will present the great works of Mozart, Verdi, Tchaikovsky and more — all with his infectious charisma and joy.
Visit www.laphil.com for ticket information.
