This week I saw Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela. This Washington Post review sums up the show well: some terrific playing, boundless energy, and an unprecedented ability to engage the audience. The Kennedy Center was never more lively. And, for once, lots of young people were in the audience — including an infant in the row behind me that was, somehow, quiet for the entire show, even when the Orchestra was pounding away during The Rite of Spring. See here for more on “the system” that has produced an orchestra that records and tours even though none of the players is older than 26. Dudamel’s abilities are best evidenced by his imminent arrival at the helm of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He is only 28 years old.
Below is a clip of a typical encore, where the musicians don Venezuela windbreakers, play “Mambo” from “West Side Story,” and dance:
Go see them if you have a chance.