[Trombone-l] Mambo! [Dudamel concert]

[George Butler]

As a New Year's Eve treat, the french Mezzo network just broadcast a 2007 performance from Caracas of Gustavo Dudamel leading his Simon Bolivar Youth Symphony.  
 
It started with two brass choir and percussion works, a "Gran Fanfario" by Giancarlo Carlo; and Felix Mendoza's "Guerra des secciones."  Two young composers, fun pieces.  The brass playing was just stunningly good.
 
The middle of the concert featured the Alexis Cardenas Ensemble in some jazzy pieces, joined by the orchestra for a fugue by Manuel Aldamaro and Piazolla's La Muerte del Angel.
 
The orchestra finished with the Revueltas Sensemaya; then, an arrangement of the Perez Prado "Mambo."  Lastly, the Bernstein "Mambo" from West Side Story.
 
I've written about Dudamel and the players here before, so I won't bore you with more.  Catch this if you can.
 
Oh, I counted five trombonists rotating in and out, and at one point there were two ladies in the section.
 
I've said it before:  if symphony concerts were this much fun everywhere, our orchestras would be in great shape.  
 
--George  

George Butler
Tallinn, Estonia