NEW YORK, April 25, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Star conductor Gustavo Dudamel
presented a youth-oriented, pop culturally aware vision of the future to the
New York Philharmonic's spring gala Wednesday, previewing his forthcoming
takeover of the symphony as its next director.

Dudamel brought the rapper Common, the former Yankee slash guitar hero Bernie
Williams, and a number of student musicians to the stage as part of the
Phil's celebration of music education.

The gala was a glimpse into the Venezuelan maestro's upcoming tenure at
America's oldest orchestra, which he will start leading in the 2026-27
season, departing his post at the Los Angeles Philharmonic after 17 seasons.

"I believe completely that the future of society begins with a young person's
education," Dudamel told the house to applause, also calling it an "honor" to
be arriving at the Phil.

"I'm so excited for our future together," he said.

Though he is not officially yet leading the Philharmonic, he's been ramping
up his involvement at the prestigious institution, participating in shaping
its programming.

Bringing the 43-year-old on board was a coup for the Phil, the symphony
founded in 1842 that's been striving to modernize its image -- including by
pouring $550 million into the renovation of David Geffen Hall, its home in
Manhattan's Lincoln Center.

Calling music a "fundamental human right" he emphasized "the momentous role
that music can play in the lives of young people," and even brought a number
of student musicians in to play alongside the company artists.

He also invited in the conscious hip-hop star Common, who paid homage to the
genre's roots in New York before he performed songs including the Oscar-
winning track "Glory" from the film "Selma" along with the orchestra.

And none other than Bernie Williams, who played center field for the New York
Yankees for 16 seasons and is also an accomplished guitarist, performed a
jazz composition to the delight of the crowd.

- No art 'pedestal' -

Like many classical music institutions, the New York Philharmonic for years
has been trying to revamp its image that some critics have labeled too
elitist and too white.

Dudamel's time in Los Angeles saw him foster ties with Hollywood as he
catapulted to celebrity himself, bringing classical music to ears perhaps
unfamiliar with or intimidated by the genre.

Born January 26, 1981 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela to a trombonist and a voice
teacher, Dudamel's talent was molded by the illustrious Venezuelan musical
education program, "El Sistema."

When he moved to Los Angeles, Dudamel continued that youth education mission,
creating the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, known as YOLA, in the model of El
Sistema.

"We have to educate people but in the best way, not putting art on a pedestal
without access," he told journalists last year at a press conference
introducing him as the New York Phil's next music and artistic director.

"When you give an instrument to a child, you are giving to this child beauty
-- you're giving the chance to this young boy, young girl, to create their
own world," he said.

His program Wednesday offered a confirmation of that outward, forward-looking
vision, and a prioritization of young musicians.

It's a bid to create a "future where we all feel safe," he said -- "where we
all feel heard."