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Arts and Entertainment

Gustavo Dudamel Blows Away Crowds at 1st Season Concert in Disney Hall

By  Zach Behrens
Published Oct 9, 2009 12:00 AM
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It was an amazing night for Los Angeles. The Dodgers won, the Angels won and Gustavo Dudamel with the LA Philharmonic dominated Walt Disney Concert Hall, winning over audiences and signaling the start of an amazing season for classical music.

No less than a millisecond after the last piece, Mahler's 1st Symphony, ended the audience was on their feet, hooting, hollering, and cheering for Gustavo. 10 minutes of non-stop clapping brought the new 28-year-old conductor of the Phil out on stage at least 6 times (maybe 7), each time with a short crescendo in excited screaming. After bowing enough, Dudamel finally gave the international "let's drink" gesture and the crowds quickly dissipated to a beautifully decorated Grand Street, where drinks and dinner were served for patrons.