Gustavo Dudamel Down for the Count

Conductor injured during Dvorak's Cello Concerto

Gustavo Dudamel was conducting a little too hard for his own good Thursday night.

The orchestra leader pulled a muscle in his neck while conducting the last movement of Dvorak's Cello Concerto, the Los Angeles Times reported:

Philharmonic president Deborah Borda said that the 28-year-old Venezuelan music director heard a loud pop and lost sensation on one side. He managed to pump out enough endorphins to keep up a fiery performance, but he did not look himself at the curtain call.

According to the Times report, Dudamel insisted on continuing the night despite great pain. However, Borda insisted a bit harder and the conductor was taken to the hospital.

Associate conductor Lionel Bringuier finished the set.

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