Gustavo The Great

Bob Simon Profiles One Of The Biggest Stars In Classical Music, Gustavo Dudamel

(CBS)  The first stop on the tour was Disney Hall in Los Angeles. This stage becomes his when he takes over the L.A. Philharmonic in 2009. But much of his work, he told us, will be offstage.

"Now we will start a project with the young people from the poor communities here in LA, like in Venezuela," he says.

Asked if he feels like the ambassador of "the system," Dudamel tells Sumon, "In a good way, yes. I think that it's not Gustavo Dudamel. It's the Venezuelan system."

Members of the orchestra went into schools throughout the city to show California kids what the Venezuelan system is all about. That evening they would show everyone.

"What do you want the people, the audience to see and hear and feel?" Simon asks.

"The joy to play music," Dudamel says. "We will show to the people. And the people can see that you can change the life of people with music."

The music that night was worth waiting for - composed by Leonard Bernstein -- that other child prodigy Gustavo is often compared to.

If you’ve never heard Gustavo Dudamel make music before, remember in years to come, you saw him on 60 Minutes first.

[jm-business]

Wow! Mr Dudamel is pure passion! This is an inspiring story. Great pick 60 Minutes!

[icon-o-guy]

I think he's great for bringing new folks to classical. He has star qualities.

[etmcdo]

you heard it here first???? where were you when chicagoens had the pleasure of hearing him months ago

[nirak2-2009]

So do I aadowning.
He is incredible and a great talent and on top of that,he is modest which makes him even more likeable.
I am not even into that kind of music, but watching him gets you interested.

[aadowning]

What an awesome segment. Mr Dudamel also conducts the GSO,Gothenburg Symphony in Sweden where he has taken over the city. My daughter is a bass player in that orchestra and she thinks he is fantastic.

[aadowning]

What an awesome segment. Mr Dudamel also conducts the GSO,Gothenburg Symphony in Sweden where he has taken over the city. My daughter is a bass player in that orchestra and she thinks he is fantastic.

[amlapb]

I had the pleasure,to see the last minutes of the show,to see tremendous display of love for the Art of Music, it can only be compared with the Master of yesteryears, take in to account the young age of this man, the future will be His Throne,being a Poet myself currently working at the Conservatory of Music in Canada for many years,never have I ever seeing such
passion since Amadeus. ( Mozart)...I give a nine out of ten...time will be the essence of His greatness...Humbleness...will bring a Crown

[aperez56]

This story must be shared with all Latinos living in the US and I would like to offer my website as a vehicle for CBS to do just that. Bravo Gustavo! Bravo 60 Minutes!

[aperez56]

This story must be shared with all Latinos living in the US and I would like to offer my website as a vehicle for CBS to do just that. Bravo Gustavo! Bravo 60 Minutes!

[aperez56]

At last, a segment about Latinos without illegal, gangs or drugs as the main focus. Your piece was very inspirational and I would like to offer my website at calmagazine.com to share it with the millions of Latinos living in the US. Bravo Gustavo! Bravo 60 Minutes!

[aperez56]

At last, a segment about Latinos without illegal, gangs or drugs as the main focus. Your piece was very inspirational and I would like to offer my website at calmagazine.com to share it with the millions of Latinos living in the US. Bravo Gustavo! Bravo 60 Minutes!

[alfredo27-2009]

Hi Gustavo
I remember when you began as a director of the Orquesta Sinfonica de Venezuela. I am very proud to see how from the violin, you were given the opportunity to show how great your evolution was into an amazing director; we all trusted in you. As a Physician, it was great to colaborate with all of you and get involved in local and international events. Awesome representation of the excellent professionals Venezuela has. Good luck now here in the USA; a beutiful country with tons of opportunities for people like you.
Dr. Alfredo Navarro
Michigan, USA

[partypoet]

Hi, CCWard 4 - the music that Dudamel was conducting at the end of the segment was the Dance sequence from West Side Story.

[vegasboomer]

I''ve just posted that segment on my Vegas music blog. This kid is totally inspiring. See

http://santafeandthefatcityhorns.blogspot.com

While our genre is soul, salsa, jazz music, we support the musical arts in all of their forms (well, maybe not gangsta rap).

Gustavo, BRAVO, young man!

[rileyu-2009]

Jessorr, the violin duet you are referring can be found on iTunes under the title:

Scent of a Woman, Tango (Por Una Cabeza) - performed by Itzhak Perlman

[rileyu-2009]

Jessorr, the violin duet you are referring can be found on iTunes under the title:

Scent of a Woman, Tango (Por Una Cabeza) - performed by Itzhak Perlman

[High Desert Charlie]

I cried "Tears of Joy", as I viewed the segment on 60 Minutes highlighting Mr. Gustavo Dudamel.

Director Dudamel has accomplished something that very few have in the past 30 years. He has taken me back to remember and appreciate the role that music played for me as a young man. It was through music, and more specifically the kind of music performed by Director Dudamel, that I realized the beauty that is available for all of mankind. Not the kind of beauty that is usually reserved only for the privileged, but instead the kind of emotion, rage, joy and evocative power that can only be realized from learning, hearing, and performing awe inspiring music.

At the age of 26, Director Dudamel is setting a wonderful example for the rest of the music world. His practice of taking young children off of the streets and sitting them down with an instrument will change all of their lives forever. By changing their lives through music and teaching them the beauty that is there for all of us to enjoy and appreciate, he also changes generations of children to follow. Thank God for Gustavo Dudamel.

As an alumni of the American Youth Symphony and Chorus (1971), well performed orchestral music has always been my secret mistress. I will really look forward to stepping out for a night with Gustavo Dudamel and his LA Symphony in 2009.

I hope you can add this to what I''m certain will be many accolades for Gustavo. Cheers, and best wishes for continued success.

Warmest Regards

Charles Sheets

[slantz2-2009]

Bravo Gustavo! We need a generation of Gustavo''s who care about and believe in our youth - who expect excellence in all areas.

I attended a high school play this week that was filled with bathroom and food humor only a twelve year could find amusing. I was embarrassed and hurt for these young people, who have so much to give and from whom so little is expected.

[ccward4]

Would someone please tell me the name of the Bernstein piece being performed at the end of the segment?

Thanks

[sharingpeace]

I had the biggest smile and feeling of awe, watching this amazing young man ~ truly an angel has come to L.A. to inspire and invigorate... thank you SO MUCH for introducing us to him!!!