Dudamel Debut: What They're Saying
Associated Press
Gustavo Dudamel makes his Hollywood Bowl debut as director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009. The 28-year-old Venezuelan conductor was welcomed with a free community concert entitled "¡Bienvenido Gustavo!" Dudamel conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor. Op 125.
Gustavo Dudamel, the 28-year-old wunderkind from Venezuela tasked with the not-insignificant job of revitalizing interest in classical music in Los Angeles (if not the United States), made his debut Saturday night as musical director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. And we love the way he did it -- with a free concert at the Hollywood Bowl, directing a group of 100 student musicians.
For Dudamel, a product of Venezuela's musical education system, teaching children is a top priority. He showcased that on Saturday. But he didn't just play with the kids -- he ended the night by leading the Philharmonic in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, complete with fireworks towering over the bowl.
And from initial reports, it seems that critics are raving over the Dude's debut. Here's what they're saying:
