Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela: Gustavo Dudamel conducts Mahler
Charismatic Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel takes to the podium for an odyssey through his country’s folk roots, followed by Mahler's spectacular First Symphony.
Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, Music Director of the sensational Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, conducts a concert that celebrates the musicians’ homeland.
The programme opens with Venezuelan cellist and composer Paul Desenne's Guasamacabra, described by the composer as 'a fresh, innocent tune quickly evolving into a much more complicated and even dramatic affair'. Gonzalo Grau, one of Venezuela’s most respected composers and multi-instrumentalists, brings his country’s musical spirit and infectious rhythms to his glittering Odisea, a concerto for the guitar-like cuatro. Virtuoso cuatro player Jorge Glem is the soloist in this musical odyssey through Venezuela’s folk roots.
Dudamel completes his programme with one of the most spellbinding symphonies ever written. Mahler’s titanic First Symphony propels you on a musical voyage from birth to death and beyond. Journey from hushed murmurings of nature reborn to a tragic funeral cortege and final glorious triumph.
The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela Residency is supported by
James and Morag Anderson
Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela would like to dedicate this performance to the memory of Paul Desenne. Paul was an admired cellist and member of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela for many years, as well as an inspiring educator and accomplished composer. We continue to be grateful to Paul for his many generous gifts.
Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela
Gustavo Dudamel Conductor
Jorge Glem Cuatro
Paul Desenne Guasamacabra
Gonzalo Grau Odisea—Concerto for Cuatro and Orchestra
Mahler Symphony No 1