The recognized Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel conducted for the first time the opera Carmen by French composer Georges Bizet on August 1 in Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl. On August 2, Dudamel will conduct again the opera. The first-time performance was part of a series of shows that will take place in five countries this year.
The Venezuelan conductor will also perform the Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Three Dance Episodes from On the Town, both by U.S. composer Leonard Berstein, at the Hollywood Bowl on August 3. Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero will join Dudamel in the same concert interpreting Rhapsody in Blue and An American in Paris, by U.S. composer George Gershwin.
On August, 5 the Venezuelan musical prodigy is expected to appear again at the Hollywood Bowl to conduct Bolero, by French composer Maurice Ravel. Subsequently, Dudamel will travel back to Venezuela to continue his intense schedule of events, including concerts, training programs for conductors, and rehearsals.
Bizet’s Carmen
According to Dudamel, the opera Carmen “is one of these melodies that remains forever; it has become part of the people, such as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. It is one of the most popular pieces and it has become one of the landmarks of classical music.”
Venezuelan soprano Mariana Ortiz and Mexican baritone José Adán Pérez will perform in the famous opera. Dudamel added that these internationally-acclaimed artists “are part of a new generation of wonderful singers.”
Carmen, first performed in 1875, is one of the Dudamel’s most appreciated operas. “I love a lot of opera pieces. In general, I love operas. I recommend this one because it is very youthful and fresh, despite being a tragedy,” said Dudamel. He also highlighted the importance of knowing the history of the piece to understand, appreciate it and perform it.
Other Concerts
In mid-August he will perform at the Swiss Lucerne Festival with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. From September 2-4, Dudamel is expected to travel to Sweden.
Furthermore, Dudamel will perform at seven concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra early October in the Walt Disney Concert Hall. From October 29 to November 18, he will conduct nine performances of George Bizet’s Carmen in the Scala Theater in Milan.
In December, the conductor is expected to perform in three concerts with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. In January 2011, he will start a new season with the LA Philharmonic Orchestra, including a tour of Spain, Portugal, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.
Dudamel was trained in the State Foundation for the National System of Youth and Children Orchestras of Venezuela, FESNOJIV, also known as “El Sistema.” This foundation was launched by Venezuelan maestro José Antonio Abreu and is financed by the Venezuelan government. The goal of “El Sistema” is to provide musical education to a broad audience and promote the collective practice of music through symphony orchestras and choirs, both as a means to promote social organization and community development. The program has allowed the inclusion of children and young people living in low-income areas. “El Sistema” has been heavily promoted and supported by the government of President Hugo Chávez.
VTV/ Press and Communications Office of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the U.S./ August 2, 2010
