Sold Out in Minutes, Conductor's Debut at Hollywood Bowl Will be Free to View Online

John Adams, left, and Gustavo Dudmel, right, talk about the 09/10 LA Philarhmonic Season at Walt Disney Concert Hall (Zach Behrens/LAist)

It's likely never that the Los Angeles Philharmonic has seen so much crazy attention. But it's rare to see a 28-year-old take the helm of one the world's most notable symphony orchestras. Gustavo Dudamel is one of the most energetic, loving and passionate people you will see in this city and he's expected to bring great things to Los Angeles. His debut as a conductor will be a free performance on October 3rd at the Hollywood Bowl. Free tickets went within minutes and scalpers were trying sell them for $1,600.

Such a demand--the craze is called Dudamania (no, for real)--has prompted LA Phil organizers to air the concert online. "This event marks the very first time a performance has been webcast from the iconic venue," their site states. The next day, people can watch performances on-demand for a 24-hour period.

The online viewing actually fits into one of Dudamel's theories about classical music in America. "The internet is the way to save the arts," he said last January at a press meeting. "Classical has many faces--for us it is important to have many people." In his native Venezuela, classical music is all the rage for the youth, he says.

The October 3rd show, called ¡Bienvenido Gustavo!, will showcase a variety of professional artists, including Flea, Herbie Hancock and Taj Mahal, playing alongside youth ensembles during the first half followed by Beethoven's 9th Symphony in the second half.

Previously: Inspiration! Meet Gustavo Dudamel, the New 27-Year-Old Conductor of the LA Philharmonic