Classic FM to Broadcast Sounds Venezuela

The Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela and their charismatic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel return to London’s Southbank Centre for a four-day residency, Sounds Venezuela, from June 23 -26. Their appearance is part of the South Bank Centre’s Festival of the World, which runs from June 1 to September 9.

The orchestra’s two headline concerts on June 23 and 26 have already sold out but Classic FM is on hand to help those without tickets. Both concerts will be recorded and then broadcast on Classic FM on July 1 and 2 and will be presented by Anne-Marie Minhall and Jane Jones. 

In addition to these concerts, the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra will also showcase their talents at three special shows during their residency: a morning hour-long family concert conducted by young Venezuelan conductors, a Purcell Room concert by the Simón Bolívar String Quartet, and an evening performance at the Royal Festival Hall with the Atalaya Percussion Ensemble and the Venezuelan Brass Ensemble. Tickets for all three concerts are still available. 

The Festival of the World aims to explore the arts as a force for social change and spotlighting El sistema, the 37-year-old Venezuelan social programme which has engaged more than half a million underprivileged young people to build self confidence, skills and discipline through classical music training. 

Jude Kelly, Southbank Centre’s Artistic Director, said: “El sistema, Gustavo Dudamel, and the Símon Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela are admired the world over as the greatest success story of how the arts can change lives. We are not only immensely privileged to host these inspiring young musicians again, but we are also thrilled to be able to provide our audiences with hands-on opportunities to make music as part of this groundbreaking residency that places young people and participation at the heart.”