My Dear Readers

I apologize for my two week absence, but I haven't opened a computer since the Dudamel concert because of two words: midterm week. I haven't touched a computer or anything like that in order to study for these awful awful tests. However, I am back! Midterms are over, I have an opera tonight, and I have missed so much already!
It's crazy how many things I've missed:
The return of Trebs and Villazon,
the cancellation of the OONY season,
and the birthdays of:
Sherrill Milnes
James Morris
Juan Diego Florez
Renato Bruson
Ben Heppner
Marilyn Horne
Katia Ricciarelli
Placido Domingo
Joseph Calleja
Marcello Giordani
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
and today's birthday boy: Philip Glass


In a few words about the Dudamel concert:
Mahler's 5th has changed the way I look at orchestras
Zukerman changed the way I see violins because that Knussen piece was crazy
and
Dudamel has changed the way I look at hair.... forever...
<33333



Happy Listening!!! =) =)

Tonight: Gustavo Dudamel and the NY Philharmonic at the Tilles Center

Gustavo Dudamel leads the New York Philharmonic in Mahler's 5th Symphony

Pinchas Zukerman plays Knussen's Violin Concerto

Needless to say, I'm listless with anticipation.

Happy Listening!!! =)

Gustavo Dudamel: Classical Music's Hair God

[In collaboration with Olivia of Orchestra Ring]

Here is a tribute to the wonderful, fabulous, intense, and dancing (??) conductor prodigy with hair that rocks the house down!!!!! Like Olivia says, he looks like a hair commercial.

He has such an intense conducting style. I've really never seen anything like it. You would think by the way he moves on the podium that the music is FORTISSIMO the entire time. It really shows how into the music he is, which I think is fabulous. He really becomes a part of the music and after seeing him you can't question the importance of the role of the conductor. (Trust me, some people are convinced orchestras don't need one. Psh.)

(Can't you just see it? "Garnier Fructis....")

He has this special way of communicating with an orchestra. He never says "Do it this way", but says "Let's do this." In other words, it's not HIS way, it's OUR (the orchestras and his) way. The work as a team, or as a family. He refers to the orchestra as "my best friends, my brothers and sisters." Aw!



Gutavo Dudamel is currently the principal conductor for Sweden's Gothenburg Symphony, as well as the music director of the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela. In 2009 he will become the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Dudamel performed for the pope in honor of His Holiness's 80th birthday in April. He was seen this season at the Metropolitan Opera conducting "Hansel and Gretel" and I really hope he comes back soon. Note to self: Opera glasses on Dudamel at all times.

I happily await a Loreal, Garnier Fructis, or Pantene commercial featuring Maestro Dudamel. Wouldn't he be perfect? *sigh* He IS perfect. Hmm, is someone developing a crush? Well, sorry everybody he's married *shrugs* to the beautiful Eloísa Maturén, who he married in 2006. (Ooohhh so close!) Why is it that I always have to mention people's personal lives...




Thus concludes my joyous tribute to the mastery of Gustavo Dudamel. May his conducting majesty reign over us for many years to come.



Happy Listening!! =)

(Thanks, Olivia!!!!!!!!!!!!)