Venezuelan maestro Gustavo Dudamel inspires a new generation

It was thanks to a support programme in his native Venezuela that conductor Gustavo Dudamel was launched on the path that lead him to become a superstar in the world of classical music.

Now he passes on his energy and enthusiasm to a new generation.

His two-week music leadership programme Encuentros brought together more than 100 young musicians from across the world to Los Angeles. All the mentors were famous international musicians from all around the world.

Violinist Ana Molina from Spain was one of the lucky few chosen by the Dudamel Foundation to participate. 

"Now that I can see the moment coming, I still can't believe it," she said as she got ready to depart from her home town of Madrid. "I am super excited. It's a great dream for me to be able to live this experience. I am very excited to meet Dudamel. And I hope to enjoy it to the fullest and make the most of this opportunity."

Gustavo too sees it as an opportunity for him.

"It Is great when you work with young people because they are discovering everything," he says. "More than you give to them, they give to you. And that is a treasure."

Through his foundation, Gustavo wants to explore cultural unity and celebrate equality, beauty and respect through music. After two weeks of playing, connecting and rehearsing, the young musicians perform at the legendary Hollywood Bowl under the baton of the world-famous maestro.

"Gustavo is a powerhouse," says Jon Colon, a cello student from Puerto Rico. "And from the moment he walks in, the aura of the room changes. The whole energy and the vibe of the room changes. It's like everybody lightens up a little bit. He has a sort of charisma and this sort of power as a conductor that you don't ever see. I think he does things musically