Gustavo Dudamel with the L.A. Philharmonic

Named one of Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2009 and frequently described as the most dynamic young conductor to arrive on the classical music scene since the legendary Leonard Bernstein, 28- year-old Gustavo Dudamel begins his tenure as Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in fall 2009. Dudamel’s infectious energy and exceptional artistry will be on display as he conducts his inaugural concert with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded for national telecast from Disney Concert Hall.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic is widely regarded as one of the most contemporary and innovative orchestras in America.  On the program for his inaugural concert are Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major (Titan) and the world premiere of that latest work by Pulitzer Prize-winning music composer John Adams, City Noir.  Gustavo Dudamel is the product of the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras of Venezuela, or more popularly known as El Sistema (the System), created in 1975 by José Antonio Abreu, a Venezuelan conductor, petroleum economics professor and former congressional deputy. Targeting mostly children living in slums, the System gives a musical instrument and instruction to many underprivileged and at-risk Venezuelan youth as an alternative to gang life and crime.