As Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic head to the Bay Area for two performances later this month, San Francisco Classical Voice asked me to take a look at the Dudamel regime so far and what they might expect. Click here to read my article.
Classical Life 
Tim: I thought this was an extremely well-written article (no surprise, considering you wrote it). One of the most salient points was that we all need to give Gustavo time and space to grow not just with the orchestra but also in terms of his own growth, as well. We did that with Zubin and with Esa-Pekka and Gustavo deserves that, as well.
Thanks, Bob. Seems like common sense to me, but somehow that’s all been lost in the hubbub.
“One of the most salient points was that we all need to give Gustavo time and space to grow not just with the orchestra but also in terms of his own growth, as well.”
You can blame the LA Phil! The hyperbole surrounding the hiring of the Dude was a real turn off. When you advertise the coming of the Messiah of Classical Music, that’s what people expect to see.
The Dude is a breath of fresh air, though. He might even live up to that hype.