Unfortunately, there is no other chance to see this particular tour by YOLA, Gustavo Dudamel's LA-based youth orchestra (fashioned after his Bolivian youth orchestra, both of which us "la sistema" to teach amazing orchestral playing to kids who are young enough to amaze you with their prowess. Dudamel, who is the young and brilliant "new Leonard Bernstein," taking the world by storm with his personality, musicianship and caring about the current world situation and thinking music can heal, has no equal. His work is nothing less than inspirational.
As was this concert, at the incredible Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA, with a sold-out crowd, filled with young people as well as old. Rarely do you see young people at a classical concert, but they were wide-eyed and hooked, and watching the reaction of the kids in the audience was the best part. Although, disappointingly, Gustavo did not speak directly to the audience, film clips were shown between each piece, which allowed you to see the orchestra in rehearsal, and led seamlessly into the next live performance. This was closing night of their first tour, which was all around California, and marked the tenth anniversary of the orchestra. If you get another chance to see this group, perhaps in Los Angeles, or elsewhere, don't pass it up.