OCTOBER 3, 2009 - LOS ANGELES, HOLLYWOOD BOWL
Today's long awaited free concert, sponsored by Target, by the LA Phil's new Music Director at the Hollywood Bowl was fantastic! Dudamel, a mere 28 years old and trained by Venezuela's "El Sistema" proved to all that indeed he is a passionate, consummate conductor! However, his intention is to teach Los Angeles and its children the beautiful language of music...the language that brings us all together no matter where we are from. The creation of YOLA, Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, will definitely give young minds the means to play and experience the exhilarating and healing power of music.
"Education is our #1 Priority!", said Jan Olaughlin, Target's Senior Specialist of Community Relations. She stressed that the partnership between the LA Phil and Target was outstanding and that their joint mission was to "keep music in our schools." Yes, these may be trying times, but supporting YOLA in any way we can will turn out to be a blessing for our City of Angels. And from the applause and response of the filled-to-capacity Hollywood Bowl, it looks like we are in for many more magical performances to come by Gustavo Dudamel. Please, do yourself and your children a favor and follow this innovative and passionate Musical genius who literally "lives and breathes" the music as he is conducting.
Besides being free, this concert was viewed globally on the LA Phil's website
and broadcast on radio. The Bowl's audience included such stars as Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Sergio Mendes, Andy Garcia, Jack Black, Los Lobos' David Hidalgo, and The Chili Pepper's Flea to name just a few. A congratulatory message was sent by President Obama, and gracious LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina wanted to make sure that we at Latin Heat knew of the other special invited guests in attendance: Mr. Dudamel's relatives! His Mother, Solange, and his father, Oscar, who were beaming as their son was about to take the stage and transport this Los Angeles audience through music. Our new Music Director said, "We are here because of the music of Beethoven. Through music there is no South America or Central America - there is only one America! I'm proud to be Latino, but I'm proud to be here with you because of music!"
Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic, plus the diverse voices of the LA Master Chorale gave a terrific performance. Beethoven's 9th "Ode to Joy" was the perfect choice for a perfect full moon night which lit this gathering of 18,000 music lovers. For more details on this performance and the ones to come, go to LA Phil.org. We give our special thanks to Mr. K. Bernard.
Bienvenido, Gustavo y gracias...el mundo te regresa el beso!
Marabina Jaimes
co-host, "Let's Talk"
