Classical Music Is in Crisis. Gustavo Dudamel Is Here to Save It.

Dudamel is one of those musicians who transcends classical music as a genre and is a star in the realm of pop culture.

Classical music is seen as elitist, though he personally does not believe that is true.

The subscription system of ticket buyers no longer exists, with people attending only occasionally.

El Sistema is considered the most successful music education system of the modern era. Dudamel spontaneously conducted his peers as a child when the regular conductor was late.

Esa-Pekka Salonen called the LA Philharmonic president from the competition to recommend Dudamel.

Dudamel founded YOLA to provide music education for young, often underprivileged kids. Dudamel books celebrities for concerts and makes the orchestra available for Hollywood soundtracks. The LA Philharmonic commissioned 50 new pieces for its centennial in 2018-19.

Dudamel's conducting is extremely lively but technically uneven, sometimes missing nuances.

Dudamel's 2017 recording of Beethoven's Fifth is slower, more patient, and more articulate than his mid-2000s version.

Debra Borda spent multiple years secretly courting Dudamel to take the job. The musicians immediately cheered when told Dudamel would be the next music director.

Dudamel is programming seven different concerts in three weeks, including at Radio City with Lizzo.

Success will be measured by seeing less gray hair and more audience diversity at concerts. Dudamel's approach mirrors Leonard Bernstein's efforts to cultivate literacy and normalcy of classical music.