Dudamel Will Observe the Newest Paper Violin Class and Rehearse YOLA at HOLA Wind Ensemble and Full Orchestra

WHAT:              Five years ago, with the appointment of Gustavo Dudamel as the 11th Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, an unprecedented youth orchestra program began in Los Angeles. An El Sistema-inspired initiative, Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, now commonly known as YOLA, began with 80 students and a single orchestral ensemble. Today, over 550 students participate in multiple ensembles operating at two locations – YOLA at EXPO Center and YOLA at HOLA (Heart of Los Angeles). In addition, the LA Phil has hosted annual symposiums bringing together leaders, practitioners and pioneers in the field of music education in order to broaden the conversation and foster inspiration to create a new musical and social movement in the United States.

On Saturday, October 13, 2012, Gustavo Dudamel will make a two-year anniversary visit to YOLA at HOLA, which will include an observation of the newest paper violin class, followed by Gustavo leading rehearsals with both YOLA at HOLA’s advanced wind ensemble and full orchestra.

Located in the Rampart District, YOLA at HOLA serves hundreds of students with intensive after-school orchestral instruction five days a week. Classes include music creativity, singing and solfège, ensemble rehearsals, and academic tutoring daily. This holistic approach fosters a sense of community and provides the students with the opportunity to take advantage of HOLA’s exceptional programs and resources. YOLA at HOLA students perform regularly at venues throughout Los Angeles including recent performances at the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall. YOLA at HOLA is a partnership between the LA Phil and Heart of Los Angeles.

YOLA at EXPO Center, part of Exposition Park in South L.A., has grown to include three orchestras, mentorship, group lessons, chamber music, and parent ensembles. The program serves hundreds of students who attend four days each week. In addition, students perform annually at Walt Disney Concert Hall and have appeared multiple times on the iconic stage of the Hollywood Bowl. YOLA at EXPO is a partnership of the LA Phil, Harmony Project, and EXPO Center, a City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks facility.

WHO:            GUSTAVO DUDAMEL, Music Director, Los Angeles Philharmonic

                        YOLA at HOLA students

WHEN:             Saturday, October 13, 2012, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

WHERE:         HOLA at Lafayette Park Recreation Center

                        625 S. Lafayette Park Pl.

                        Los Angeles, CA 90057

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