In a vicious debate raging throughout the classical and political worlds, Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel has indeed faced significant criticism on social media for his appearance with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on a day where violence claimed three lives.
Defending himself against the sharp e-tongues as of late, Dudamel said in a release last Thursday, "Our music is the universal language of peace and for that reason we regret yesterday's events."
The violence was an apparent response to critics against Maduro.
"With instruments in hand, we say no to violence and an overwhelming yes to peace," he continued.
Dudamel's performance in Maracay was the 39th anniversary of the El Sistema youth orchestra program founded by José Antonio Abreu. The ceremony also marked the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Victoria, which was a crucial moment in Venezuela's fight for independence.
However, El Sistema now operates in a "toxic oasis," per an open letter from self-exiled pianist Gabriela Montero.
Montero said, "You have the power to make an enormous difference in the situation of our country. Please use it."
Dudamel often leads the government-supported Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar of Veneuela, which is a product of El Sistema. Yet, a highly divided Venezuela sparks outrage whenever Dudamel makes an appearance with Maduro in public.
In his lastest response to the mountains of harsh criticism, Dudamel stated:
"What our National Network of Youth and Children's Orchestras of Venezuela represents are the values of Peace, Love and Unity. February 12 is a special day because it was the day that a project was born that has become the emblem and flag of our country to the world. Therefore, we commemorate all youth, we commemorate the future, we commemorate brotherhood. Our music represents the universal language of peace; therefore, we lament yesterday's events. With our music, and with our instruments in hand, we declare an absolute no to violence and an resounding yes to peace."
So, while Dudamel may have the proverbial crosshairs of a broken Venezuela locked on his own mane, he must take serious precautions when appearing with Maduro in public--as those who oppose the socialist government may react with still more violence.
Can't we all just get along, for Dvořák's sake?
