Thursday, June 26, 2008

Viva Dudamel!

The sight of classical musicians 'letting their hair down' is normally an embarrassing spectacle, on a par with have to watch ageing relatives dancing at a wedding reception disco. However, the Simon Bolivar Venezuelan Youth Orchestra is an exception to the rule.

Led by the charismatic conductor Gustavo Dudamel, this orchestra is the result of a bold educational programme which aims to give gifted, but poor, Venezuelan children a route out of the slums. The result is a world-class orchestra.

Here's a clip from last year's Proms. Even if you don't like classical music I'd urge you to watch this, because it's an inspiration to see people enjoying themselves so much.

1 comment:

Gonçalo Veiga said...

I love the idea!!! I'd heard about it a couple of years ago and just a month or so ago I saw this special piece on them, not sure if it was on 60 Minutes or something. A wonderful social policy!

Viva! ;)