Fan Fare

Dude’s on fire!

That’s how actor Jack Black described Gustavo Dudamel, the new music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, at a free concert for 18,000 people at the Hollywood Bowl Saturday to welcome the 28-year-old Venezuelan conductor.

Black was one of many celebrities who joined the five-hour “Bienvenido Gustavo!” fest to tout music education for kids, a new audience for classical music and multicultural musical offerings — all espoused by Dudamel, the most popular export of Venezuela’s famous public music school network “El Sistema.” Music legends like Quincy Jones, Sergio Mendes, Herbie Hancock, Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), actor Andy Garcia and composer John Williams also turned out for a night of music under the stars.

Even U.S. President Barack Obama got in on the act — not in person, but he did send a letter Saturday to the Los Angeles Philharmonic saying “music is the universal language which builds intercultural relationships” and he “hopes the L.A. Phil inspires others to study the arts.”

One of the highlights of the night came from a hundred kids from underprivileged South L.A.  in the new El Sistema-inspired Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, who made their Hollywood Bowl debut with Dudamel conducting Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Their families sat in the front, in what is known as the pool circle — the most coveted seats in the Bowl. VIPs and the city’s cultural elite sat behind them, sipping wine and picnicking.

Then, dressed in a cream colored Armani dinner jacket, Dudamel and his Los Angeles Philharmonic delivered the show’s powerful final act — Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, complete with a huge chorus and four vocal soloists. Los Angeles Times music critic Mark Swed called it “a Beethoven Ninth to be remembered.”

Two big screens on either side of the stage gave view to Dudamel’s expressions, his graceful motions and his hair — the hair being very important part of the movement as his black ringlets fly to and fro.  Even jaded critics enjoy watching Dudamel.

After a standing ovation, Dudamel returned to the stage and spoke in both Spanish and English about America being one continent — no South, no North, no Central America. He flashed his boyish grin and said he had a surprise. The Philharmonic played the last minutes of the symphony again, this time to an eruption of fireworks. No doubt thousands of first-time concertgoers joined the ranks of classical music lovers — that’s saying something in L.A..  And this is too: Dude was on fire!

Venezuelan conductor gives lessons in geography

On his first day as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic,  Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel gave a lesson in geography, namely what constitutes America.

A reporter asked the 28-year-old classical music sensation what he had on  his iPod, to which Dudamel answered that he loved Latin music and was listening to the likes of Venezuelan salsa star Oscar D’Leon and Dominican crooner Juan Luis Guerra.

And then the reporter said: “You are in America now, what Americans?” Dudamel didn’t miss a beat and shot back ”I am talking about Americans!” — to which the room packed with journalists erupted in laughter and clapping.

That Latin America is indeed part of America is something that Dudamel brings up often, but always with good humor and patience.  At his news conference he reiterated that America is one — Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico, the United States, all included. That message is likely to resound in Los Angeles, a city that is half Hispanic and home to millions who migrated from southern portions of the Americas.

Photo credit: Reuters/Fred Prouser (Gustavo Dudamel talks to journalists Sept. 30, 2009)

Chavez brings chaos to Venice

The biggest star at this year’s Venice film festival has arguably been Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Sure, George Clooney and Matt Damon have got the crowds going and can cause a minor media scrum with little effort, but Chavez and his large entourage of aides and guards is another matter altogether.

In town for the world premiere of Oliver Stone’s documentary “South of the Border”, Chavez looked the part on the red carpet and giving interviews at a swanky hotel on the Lido waterfront. Spare a thought for the handful of reporters given a coveted slot with the leader, though. We were originally down to speak to Chavez and Stone at around 5:30 p.m., but, after a series of false alarms, we were moved to a different venue and eventually ended up speaking to them well after 10 p.m.

At one point guests at a party at the plush “Des Bains” hotel (scene of the Visconti classic Death in Venice) were not allowed into the building because of Chavez’s security, but the problem was quickly resolved.

Chavez, looking every bit the movie star, was all smiles and charm, shaking hands with onlookers and reporters who wanted to meet him. Little wonder he looked happy — he will presumably be delighted with Stone’s overwhelmingly positive portrait.