Biography

Gustavo Dudamel

Current as of August 2020

Gustavo Dudamel is driven by the belief that music has the power to transform lives, inspire and change the world. Through his dynamic presence on the podium and his tireless advocacy for arts education, he has introduced classical music to new audiences around the world and helped provide access to the arts for countless young people in underserved communities.

This year, with the global pandemic shutting down the majority of live performances, Gustavo Dudamel has committed even more time and energy to this mission. He has hosted a new radio programme from his living room, sharing personal stories and musical selections, as a way to bring people together during a time of isolation. The programme has been broadcast locally as well as internationally in English and Spanish, with guest co-hosts including his wife María Valverde and composer John Williams. He also participated in Global Citizen’s ‘Global Goal: Unite for Our Future’ fundraising special, featuring a socially-distanced performance from the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Phil and Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA). The event, featuring numerous popular artists, was viewed by millions of people worldwide and raised $ 6.9 billion to provide tests, treatments and vaccines to the world’s poorest and most marginalized communities.

Upcoming projects include a virtual version of the YOLA National Festival and the launch of his highly anticipated multimedia educational project in collaboration with La Caixa Foundation throughout Spain. Future performances include a US tour with the Vienna Philharmonic, including three concerts at Carnegie Hall, and two new teaching projects with his own foundation in collaboration with the Escuela de Música Reina Sofía in Madrid.

A lifelong advocate for music education and social development through art, Gustavo Dudamel was shaped by his childhood experience with ‘El Sistema’, the extraordinary programme and philosophy initiated in 1975 by José Antonio Abreu. Inspired by El Sistema, Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil and its community partners founded YOLA in 2007, which now serves over 1,300 young musicians, providing free instruments, intensive music instruction, academic support and leadership training. During the 2020/ 21 season, YOLA will open its own permanent, purpose-built facility, the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center at Inglewood, designed by architect Frank Gehry.

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Photos and Videos

Gustavo Dudamel Conductor
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Gustavo Dudamel Conductor
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Gustavo Dudamel Conductor
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