Conductor Gustavo Dudamel: Music has the power to unite

Music has the power to unite


Mark Savage speaks to Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel about
his life and career. Born in the city of Barquisimeto, he’s
famous for conducting orchestras all over the world, as well as
film credits that include conducting the opening and end titles
for Star Wars: the Force Awakens.


With a unique ability to communicate joy and his passion for
music to mass audiences, Dudamel has become a rare pop culture
icon from the world of classical music - affording him mainstream
appeal. He’s currently in London, performing concerts alongside
the band Coldplay.


In this interview, he talks about El Sistema - Venezuela’s unique
programme which has helped train thousands of musicians, the
highlights of his time as musical director of the LA
Philharmonic, and taking over the helm of the New York
Philharmonic.


Thank you to the Culture team for their help in making this
programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people
shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews
from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays
and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as
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your podcasts.


Presenter: Mark Savage Producers: Bob Howard and Roxanne Panthaki
Editor: Nick Holland


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(Image: Conductor Gustavo Dudamel performs onstage during weekend
2, day 2 of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Photo by
Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Coachella)