Tuesday’s (6/2) Southern California Public Radio includes a wide-ranging interview with Gustavo Dudamel, music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. “In March, “Dudamel signed a contract extension that will keep him in L.A. through the 2022 season…. ‘The day that I decided to extend the contract, I was sure. I was really happy,’ says Dudamel. ‘I love Los Angeles…. I think everybody in Los Angeles feels proud of [Disney Concert Hall].… I’m very proud to be part of this community…. At the beginning of the season, we go to the communities. Because that is also important…. I remember, we were doing ‘Peter and the Wolf’ with Julie Andrews in church, in the hospital…. It’s part of our responsibility as an artist. An artist is part of the community.’ … His own musical success comes out of Venezuela’s El Sistema music education program. Dudamel continues that passion with L.A.’s Youth Orchestra, and says that music education is key. ‘We cannot see art, culture, as something that is not important for our children.… It’s like health care, it’s like education…. When you give [a child] an instrument, what a beautiful symbol.’ ” The article links to an audio interview and photo slideshow.
Posted June 4, 2015
