Dudamel decided to introduce the program to the United States, and the hard streets of
Los Angeles were a perfect place to start. So, as part of his contract with the Los Angeles
Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel insisted on being given the money and time to start a
youth orchestra.
The Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles gives poor and street youth a new focus in their
lives and a new sense of accomplishment as they play to sold-out audiences at venues
like the famous Hollywood Bowl. As well, Dudamel’s vision of spreading the idea across
the U.S. is beginning to be realized, with new community and city youth orchestras being
formed in several American cities.
Dudamel’s long-term dream is to see The System become as popular in other countries as
it is in Venezuela, where 600 youth orchestras help a quarter of a million children stay
out of trouble, develop self-discipline, and learn to believe in themselves.
Gustavo Dudamel knows firsthand that music can help change the lives of children and
youth, and improve the society they live in.
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