Newest TED Obsession

Watching these TED Talks can be dangerously diverting. However, they often inspire me. Elizabeth Gilbert's TED Talk on the concept of creativity struck me and energized me. Her ideas are ones that I've believed for a long time - but, she goes deeper and presents it in a radical fashion which I find "genius."

Gustavo Dudamel - A.K.A. The Rockstar of Conducting

The most famous conductor of our time is Gustavo Dudamel. He is the coolest young conductor on the orchestra scene right now and everyone is talking about his work! He is from Venezuela and is a product of their government operated youth orchestra program. The Venezuelan government invested a significant amount of money to purchase orchestra instruments and set up orchestras across the country for young people - especially those who could not afford their own instrument. Dudamel grew up playing in one of these orchestras and was recognized for his ability and was offered the conductorship of the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra. They toured the US in 2004 and became a sensation. Before long, he was offered to be the conductor of the LA Philharmonic Orchestra, making well over a million dollars a year. His passion for music is clear. Watch for yourself!

Gustavo conducts his Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra in Caracas in 2007. These people are LOVING classical music - and the orchestra is having crazy-fun while sounding top notch.



Here, Gustavo conducts a the Gothenberg Symphony (Sweden) at a PROMS performance in the UK. This is Mahler 4 - the final movement. This truly shows his incredible talent. The world is lucky to have him!