Gustavo Dudamel Awarded the Glenn Gould Prize

By Laurie Niles: Conductor Gustavo Dudamel has been awarded a $100,000 Glenn Gould Prize, an honor given every two years to "a living individual for a unique lifetime contribution that has enriched the human condition through the arts." The award celebrates the Canadian pianist, writer and broadcaster Glenn Gould. Dudamel currently is Music and Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Music Director of the Opéra National de Paris. Born in 1981 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Dudamel began to receive wide recognition in 1999, when at the age of 18, he was appointed Music Director of the Simón Bolívar Youth Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, composed of graduates El Sistema, a music and social justice program founded by José Antonio Abreu. "It was one of the greatest honors of my life when, in 2008, my maestro José Antonio Abreu was named the Glenn Gould Prize Laureate," Dudamel said. "To now be awarded this prestigious prize myself, is something that fills me with a profound gratitude. The greatest art shines a light on our best selves, and offers a reminder of all that unites us. Likewise, the work of geniuses like Maestro Abreu and Glenn Gould is a beacon that shows us the path to create a better world together." Dudamel became music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 2009, at age 27. Since then he has created a number of initiatives aimed at transforming the lives of young people. In 2007, Dudamel, the LA Phil and its community partners founded YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), which now provides 1,500 young people with free instruments, intensive music instruction, academic support and leadership training. In 2012, Dudamel created The Dudamel Foundation, which he co-chairs with his wife, actress and director María Valverde. Its goal is to "to expand access to music and the arts for young people by providing tools and opportunities to shape their creative futures." "Gustavo Dudamel is one of the great artists of our time," said Brian Levine, Executive Director of The Glenn Gould Foundation. "His commitment to the humanitarian aspect of music is vital and inspiring, and points the way to the future of art. Our jury has made a brilliant, extraordinary choice." You might also like:

• Conductor Gustavo Dudamel Fights for Music in Documentary ¡Viva Maestro!
• LA Phil Conductor Gustavo Dudamel's Star Joins Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Welcome to Los Angeles, Gustavo Dudamel

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