Gustavo Dudamel arrives in New York with a mission that goes beyond the podium

New York — It was a star-studded gathering at Lincoln Center, with the likes of Steven Spielberg and Alec Baldwin toasting New York’s new Philharmonic director with champagne, arepas and the din of salsa music.

It’s been a while since the city’s cultural elite has buzzed as it has with the arrival of Gustavo Dudamel, 45. Dudamel, or “The Dude,” as he was known during his 17 season-run at the helm of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, was a force in LA, both on the stage and in his efforts at tackling the age-old issue of democratizing an artform often seen as elitist. Dudamel broadened the Philharmonic’s reach through educational programs and Read More...