Simon Bolivar Youth orchestra

[Peter]

I mentioned them in the what have you been listening to thread, but I think they deserve one of their ow. They are truly amazing and inspirational - joy to watch under their wonderful conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Last night they performed at the proms and I heard the greatest performance I've ever heard of Shostakovich's 10th symphony. They continued with a selection of South American dances and Leonard Bernstein's suite from West side story which they also played as an encore dressed in their National colours of Venezuela.

Here is a link to Mambo from West side story - you will be thrilled!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cuzc...elated&search=

They are part of Venezuela's musical phenomena El Sistema which saves kids from a life of drugs and crime - a true inspiration.
http://observer.guardian.co.uk/magaz...133790,00.html

They have also recorded Beethoven's 5th & 7th symphonies
http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/sp...amel-beethoven

[susanwen]

There's a group in South Africa called Red Zebra, that does something similar, but with drums. They teach children and teens to express themselves through rhythm and drumming instead of through violence. Here's an article about them.

http://www.kindredspirit.co.uk/ARTIC..._red_zebra.asp

They are really amazing.

[Euan Mackinnon]

I mentioned them in the what have you been listening to thread, but I think they deserve one of their ow. They are truly amazing and inspirational - joy to watch under their wonderful conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Last night they performed at the proms and I heard the greatest performance I've ever heard of Shostakovich's 10th symphony. They continued with a selection of South American dances and Leonard Bernstein's suite from West side story which they also played as an encore dressed in their National colours of Venezuela.

Here is a link to Mambo from West side story - you will be thrilled!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Cuzc...elated&search=

Peter

Very many thanks for this link; I would recommend everyone to take a look - they are, as you say "truly amazing and inspirational - joy to watch under their wonderful conductor Gustavo Dudamel".

My wife and daughter were at a concert at the Edinburgh Festival one day after the SBYO performed there. Sitting next to them was a couple who were also bowled over by Dudamel and his band and the announcement at the concert that Scotland is about to try the same approach - "El Sistema" - by opening a centre on a housing estate in Stirling. This will then be extended in due course to other locations throughout Scotland.

Euan

[Peter]

Yes thanks Euan - Simon Rattle has described the El Sistema as the most exciting classical music project in the world. The US, Japan and as you say Scotland are taking a keen interest - we need look no further on how to inspire young people with classical music, there is certainly hope for the future after all!