Leonard Berstein’s Mambo from West Side Story performed by the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel is a magnificent experience of the music from this legendary musical. This is not the first occasion where an orchestra has taken on the works of Bernstein or of a musical and theater variety.
Yet the performance is outstanding and the energy experienced from the performers is electrifying for attendees. The experience is moving, rising those in attendance to new levels of engagement than usual. When students experience music in this capacity and intrigue, it only boosts the intrigue in both the piece itself as well as create a stronger connection with the audience. I’m sure this concert created new connections with both the performers and the audience to the works of Bernstein.
From January 8 to 25, Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Orchestra, made up of 200 vibrant, charismatic and brilliant performers between the ages of 17 and 30, embarked on a European tour and you can find the remaining tour dates here.