Tuesday evening February 25, 2014, I journeyed by MTA train from Long Beach to attend a free Concert
(Tchaikovsky Fest) featuring Gustavo Dudamel's Venezuelan orchestra
performing alongside members of Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA)
within the magnificent Cathedral of our Lady of the Angeles.
"The
musicians of the Simon Bolvar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela grew up
through the extraordinary music education program El Sistema and
generously teach and mentor the young musicians of YOLA whenever they
are in Los Angeles. YOLA students strive to create a Los Angeles version
of El Sistema in South L.A., the Rampart District, and in the Eastern
portion of the County through their dedication of 15 hours each week to
learning their instruments, playing in the orchestra, and contributing
to the creation of an artful and compassionate community".
The
concert was more than a superb performance by ethnically diverse trained
youth. I sensed a prevailing hope and confidence for future generations
and the power of music to help solve global problems. I said a prayer
for continued success and expansion of El Sistema to Africa.
John Malveaux
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