Diario de viaje: Encuentros España
The Orquesta del Encuentro. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Under the leadership of Gustavo Dudamel and María Valverde, the Dudamel Foundation presented its first European Encuentros in Spain in June 2021. Students from ten countries across the Americas joined students from Spain and Portugal to explore cultural unity and celebrate harmony, equality, dignity, beauty, and respect through music. These life-changing experiences, Encuentros, challenge, inspire, and teach a new generation of young leaders to build a better world.This is their journey.The Orquesta del Encuentro, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, June 2021. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
After months of musical preparation at home, young musicians from around the world eagerly await their flights to Spain! Alejandra Pino Villafranca and Pamela Mañueco departing Peru.
Chilean students Anais Valentina Burgos Sepulveda, Jarec Rivera Paillalef, Samuel Poblete, José Cornejo, and Laura Suau Radovcic meet at the airport in Santiago de Chile.
Gastón Caballero, bass, Braian Suarez, violin, and Leandro Lapasta, violin meet at the airport in Uruguay!
Students arrive in Madrid for a full week of rehearsals!Christopher Hanulik, principal bass of the LA Philharmonic, works with the bass section.
Johan Stern, principal cello of the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, with the cello section.
Before coming together as a full orchestra,
. . .Alejandro Carreño, concertmaster of the Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela, and Orquesta del Encuentro violinists rehearse in a small group.
. . .the students meet with their Foundation Mentors — from the Vienna Philharmonic, LA Phil, and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra — for sectional rehearsals.The Orquesta del Encuentro violinists listen closely as Rainer Honeck, concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic, demonstrates a passage.
“I was able to share with teachers whom I have admired for a long time, as well as absorb as much as possible all the knowledge they transmitted to us.” — Estefania Tezanos Pinto Pereyra, 22, cello, BoliviaEstefania Tezanos Pinto Pereyra (Bolivia). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
And then the young musicians come together for the first time as an orchestra with Gustavo . . .Gustavo leads the Orquesta del Encuentro in the first rehearsal. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Students rehearse with Gustavo. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Isabella Rojas (Venezuela). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Gastón Caballero (Uruguay). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
”My favorite part was day 1 when we met all the colleagues from different parts of the world and connected to each other to make music together.”— Gastón Caballero, 21, bass, UruguayTamás Varga, Principal Cello, Vienna Philharmonic coaches Leonela Velázquez (Venezuela). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Teng Li, Principal Viola, LA Philharmonic, sits in with the viola section. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“I learned so much from the masterclasses and rehearsals — about violin technique, colors you can find in your playing, about how to practice, how to approach music and playing in an orchestra. Maestro Gustavo said something that I’ll always keep in mind: ‘deseo y compromise’.”
— Sofia Franco Ruivo, 22, violin, PortugalSofia Franco Ruivo (Portugal). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Low strings mentors Johan Stern, Tamás Varga, and Christopher Hanulik rehearse side by side with the students. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Laura García Iniesta (España). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“Without a doubt, I will never forget the first rehearsal with Gustavo, the nerves to see how we would sound as an orchestra were enormous!” — Laura García Iniesta, 20, violin, SpainGustavo leads the orchestra with soloist, Rainer Honeck, Concertmaster, Vienna Philharmonic. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Mariangely Rangel (Venezuela). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“The teachers and the demanding repertoire forced us to raise the level and see the music from another perspective.”— Mariangely Rangel, 20, violin, VenezuelaViola mentor Ismel Campos, Principal Viola, Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Teachers discuss the rehearsal with Gustavo. (L to R) Rainer Honeck, Gustavo Dudamel, Nathan Cole, Christopher Hanulik, and Johan Stern.
News of Encuentros: España starts to spread around the globe!Noticias Telemundo visits a rehearsal as the Orquesta del Encuentro prepares for their tour.
“The future of classical music resonates with Gustavo Dudamel: ‘Culture is not only entertainment but an essential element for the human being.’” - José Antonio Luna for elDiario.es“INBAL Music Students Will Participate in Encuentros España 2021 under the Direction of Gustavo Dudamel”“The opportunities that Gustavo and María build for young musicians through the Dudamel Foundation are extraordinary. It was an honor to be a part of this Encuentros and to share this experience with them.”— Frank Gehry
Gustavo plays soccer with (L to R) Uxue Sansiñena (Spain), Edgar Roman (México), Jorge Gènova Roldán (Spain), and Pablo Figueras Fernández (Spain). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“For me, my favorite part of the experience was spending time with Gustavo. And I think that is a huge gift for both us and him.”— Andreas Siles Mellinger, 22, violin, Bolivia(L to R) Jorge Gènova Roldán (Spain), Sara García Canal (Spain), Pablo Figueras Fernández (Spain), Gustavo, and Daniel Vielma. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Throughout the rehearsal week, students meet with wellness coach Clara Vázquez for a daily Encuentro, designed in collaboration with María Valverde, to learn about the relationship between body and mind through breathing, movement, and meditation . . .Wellness coach Clara Vázquez leads the students in a breathing exercise.
It is important to understand that all of our organs are part of an orchestra led by an important conductor: the brain.Wellness coach Clara Vázquez guides the students in understanding the relationship between body and mind.
Aurimar Hernández (Venezuela). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“My favorite part was the Encuentros with Clara, since I feel that she helped me a lot to raise awareness about my body. It was also very fun to do this activity in a group, it was one of the things that helped us to unite and get to know each other better.”— Aurimar Hernández, 20, viola, VenezuelaBefore embarking on a concert tour throughout Spain, the young musicians take time to explore the city of Madrid and learn about its vast history and culture.A local tour guide shows the students around Madrid.
Smile! 😁
“It was an incredible experience. I loved getting to know another country, other cities, and so many incredible musicians from different countries.”— Elizabeth Sarai Rojas Arellanes, 25, cello, MexicoElizabeth Sarai Rojas Arellanes (Mexico). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
After an intense week of training, the Orquesta del Encuentro tour begins. First stop: Oviedo!The orchestra boards a plane to Oviedo and the tour begins. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
The Argentine students play tangos to serenade nearby travelers waiting at the gate.The music draws a crowd! Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Joana Revez Mendonça (Portugal). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Concert #1: Auditorio Príncipe Felipe de OviedoThe Orquesta del Encuentro onstage at the Auditorio Príncipe Felipe de Oviedo. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
PROGRAM
SCHOENBERG
Verklärte Nacht, op. 4
TCHAIKOVSKY
Serenade for Strings, op. 48
Click above to view the full concert program for the 25 June concert in Oviedo, Spain.
Samuel Poblete (Chile). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.“Making music in the current world situation, and being together from different parts of the world was my daily reminder to enjoy every moment.”
— Samuel Poblete, 23, viola, ChileThe bass section rehearses before the first concert on tour. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“My favorite part was the first concert in Oviedo...Izan Falcón Armas (Spain). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
...“At the end of "Transfigured Night", Maestro Gustavo stayed with the baton held high for a long time... ...“the environment that was created was indescribable... ...“I could hear the breathing of my companions, and the sensation was as if time around us had stopped... Paula Torres Vega (Spain). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
...“I perceived that silence, of which only we were aware and no one dared to break. It was something magical and unique.”
— Alejandra Pino Villafranca, 19, violin, Perú / VenezuelaNext stop: Santa Cruz de Tenerife.Smiles, sun, sand, water, soccer, and a day on the beach.Romel Jesús Henríquez Marin (Venezuela), Carlos Romero Nuñez (Colombia), Julián Ezequiel Giménez (Argentina). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“The day at the beach was absolutely beautiful and refreshing after hard work...“Seeing Gustavo and María together sharing time with the orchestra and being one of the young people moved me a lot because it showed the professionalism and humility in their personalities.”— Ana Karina Rodríguez Borges, 19, violin, VenezuelaAna Karina Rodríguez Borges (Venezuela), Rubén Rodríguez Borges (Spain), and Ana Gabriela Rodríguez Borges (Venezuela). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Gustavo plays soccer with students on the beach. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“I learned, first of all, to travel. I had never traveled to another country...Laura Suau Radovcic (Chile), Yuriko Imada Terriquez (United States), Alejandra Pino Villafranca (Perú / Venezuela), Pamela Mañueco (Perú). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“I felt small in such a good musical environment, but I learned to feel less fear, to trust my companions and to play in the orchestra again, listen to others and do my best.”— Laura Suau, 19, viola, Chile Beach photoshoot! Photo: © Samantha López, 2021
The students on the ferry to Gran Canaria. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“I learned that community makes life worthwhile!!! Music is better when it's shared."— Leonela Velázquez, 21, Cello, VenezuelaConcert #2:The Orquesta del Encuentro opens the 37th Festival Internacional de Música de Canarias at the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín.Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Click above to view the full program for the 26/06 and 28/06 concerts.
Warming up backstage. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“The tour is a beautiful memory, feeling how the public admired and enjoyed all the work we had done filled my heart.”— Carla Meléndez, 20, violin, SpainGustavo congratulates Estefania Tezanos Pinto Pereyra (Bolivia) after the concert at the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
The Orquesta del Encuentro performs at the Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“They performed with the passion typical of youth and an exquisite obedience to the demands of the conductor, with very careful dynamics, especially achieved in the most delicate moments of the score.”— Francisco Martínez Ramos, Bachtrack ★★★★★RTVE takes us inside the 37th Festival Internacional de Música de Canarias… (sound on 🔈)
“The success of the first concert held at the Tenerife Auditorium was so great that the director had to return to the stage five times to thank the applause.”— Almudena Cruz, La ProvinciaToi, Toi, Toi! Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
”It was an experience full of work,
dedication, determination in all possible details, and friendships without borders.” — Jessica Contreras Segura, 22, violin, MexicoFinal stop and Concert #3: Las Palmas de Gran CanariaThe Orquesta del Encuentro onstage at the Auditorio Alfredo Kraus in Gran Canaria. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Gustavo leads the dress rehearsal before the final concert in Gran Canaria. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“The last concert was a marvel of sensations. I had never had so many feelings together in concert and especially before and after the presentation, when saying goodbye to my companions, the staff, and knowing that something so wonderful is ending made me pleasantly moved. It was spectacular.”
— Daniel Linares, 22, viola, VenezuelaGustavo and the Orquesta del Encuentro connect with a smile before the final concert on the tour. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“The most important thing I learned is that the greatest artists are also the most humble...Andreas Siles Mellinger (center) and violin section. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
”I have the desire to continue improving every day to be able to bring music to more ears and share my passion with as many people as possible...The Orquesta del Encuentro rehearses at Auditorio Alfredo Kraus. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“and that far from elitism, the only way to keep music alive is by democratizing it and sharing with others everything that we feel for it.Cecilia Camón Botella (Spain). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
”...so that music is always a warm hug for everyone and that no one is left out of its beauty and restorative strength.Ayelén Lobato Ferraro (Argentina). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“I also learned that I have the ability to improve myself. With patience, hard work and love for what one does, anything is possible.Every day I can be better and every day I can share and enjoy music even more."
— Ayelén Lobato Ferraro, 18, viola, ArgentinaLeandro Lapasta (Uruguay) hugs Francisco Ramírez Brizio (Argentina) after the concert. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“My favorite part of the experience has to be right after the end of the last concert in Gran Canaria. “As soon as the concert officially ended, the first thing that every member of the orchestra did was hug their stand partner and it was beautiful.Joana Revez Mendonça (Portugal) and Francisco Ramírez Brizio (Argentina). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Alejandra Pino Villafranca (Perú / Venezuela) and Yuriko Imada Terriquez (United States). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Isabella Rojas (Venezuela) and Aurimar Hernández (Venezuela). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Leandro Lapasta (Uruguay) and Diego Juarez Quiroga (México). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“Knowing how hard we worked to get to where we were and knowing that it was finally over brought such overwhelming feelings to everyone in the orchestra.”— Skyler Lee, 18, bass, United StatesWe did it! Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
“For me, Encuentros was a fulfillment, renewal and discovery of dreams.”— William Aviles, 22, viola, NicaraguaFin.
The Orquesta del Encuentro 2021VIOLINMeriem Abad Martín, Spain
Pablo Araya Betancort, Spain
Anaís Burgos Sepúlveda, Chile
Jessica Contreras Segura, México
Izan Falcón Armas, Spain
Laura García Iniesta, Spain
Jorge Gènova Roldán, Spain
Romel Jesús Henríquez Marin, Venezuela
Yuriko Imada Terriquez, United States
Diego Juárez Quiroga, México
Leandro Lapasta, Uruguay
Carla Meléndez, Spain
Jesús Méndez Camacho, Spain
Alex Montaño Moreno, México
Laura Morena González, Spain
Dulce Karen Muñoz Huerta, México
Libia Núñez Acuña, Venezuela
Daniel Sebastián Ortega, Argentina
Jumana Albira Pallares Zafra, Colombia
Alejandra Pino Villafranca, Venezuela
Francisco Ramírez Brizio, Argentina
Mariangely Rangel Garcia, Venezuela
Joana Revez Mendonça, Portugal
Jarec Rivera Paillalef, Chile
Ana Gabriela Rodríguez Borges, Venezuela
Ana Karina Rodríguez Borges, Venezuela
Edgar Román, México
Sofia Ruivo, Portugal
Andreas Siles Mellinger, Germany / Bolivia
Braian Suarez, Uruguay
Malena Verduga Martínez, Argentina
VIOLAWilliam Aviles, Nicaragua
Aurimar Hernández, Venezuela
Daniel Linares, Venezuela
Ayelén Lobato Ferraro, Argentina
Pamela Mañueco, Perú
Samuel Poblete Aguilera, Chile
Isabella Rojas, Venezuela
Carlos Romero Nuñez, Colombia
Moisés Ruíz Rivero, Venezuela
Laura Suau Radovcic, Chile
CELLOCecilia Camón Botella, Spain
Julián Ezequiel Giménez, Argentina
Sara García Canal, Spain
Estefania Tezanos Pinto Pereyra, Bolivia
Jairo Rodríguez Visuerte, Spain
Elizabeth Sarai Rojas Arellanes, México
Paula Torres Vega, Spain
Konrád Varga, Austria
Ana Verena Díaz, Argentina
Leonela Velazquez, VenezuelaBASS
Diego Achahuanco, Perú
José Cornejo, Chile
David Domínguez Vargas, Spain
Gastón Caballero, Uruguay
Pablo Figueras Fernández, Spain
Skyler Lee, United States
Rubén Rodríguez, Spain
Uxue Sansiñena, SpainA special thanks to our beautiful team.Dudamel Foundation Mentors
Alejandro Carreño, Concertmaster, Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela
Nathan Cole, First Associate Concertmaster, LA Phil
Rainer Honeck, Concertmaster, Vienna Philharmonic
Teng Li, Principal Viola, LA Phil
Ismel Campos, Principal Viola, Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela
Johan Stern, Principal Cello, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra
Tamás Varga, Principal Cello, Vienna Philharmonic
Christopher Hanulik, Principal Bass, LA Phil
Artistic & StaffGustavo Dudamel, Co-Chair, Dudamel Foundation, Host and Music DirectorMaría Valverde, Co-Chair, Dudamel Foundation, Narrator, and HostAnne Dowling, President, Dudamel FoundationJacob Slattery, Director of Programs, Dudamel FoundationWilly Villarreal, International Media Advisor, Dudamel FoundationFrank Gehry, Special GuestRubén Gimeno, Orchestra ManagerAndrés Gil, Stage & Production ManagerDaniel Vielma, Assistant to the Music DirectorGaudy Sánchez, Artistic CoordinatorCindy Figueroa, Tour SupervisorMiriam Sanz, SupervisorClara Vázquez, Mindfulness & Movement Coach
Alberto Arvelo, Director & ProducerGabriela Camejo, Videographer & ProducerJosé Luis Escolar, Producer MediaPro, Technical ServicesNascuy Linares, Video ProductionSamantha López, Photographer & VideographerEnrique Subiela, Duetto ManagementEva Chen, Duetto Management
Ana Calabuig, Duetto Management“What I liked most about Encuentros is that you meet many wonderful people, and that in the end, the orchestra, the teachers, and the staff members became one big family.” — Meriem Abad, 23, violin, SpainProgram Director, Jacob Slattery (United States), Orchestra Manager, Rubén Gimeno (Spain), and Assistant to the Music Director, Daniel Vielma (Venezuela) enjoy exploring Madrid with the young musicians.
David Domínguez Vargas, bass (Spain), Carla Meléndez, violin (Spain), Laura Jacobo (Spain), and Pablo Araya Betancort, violin (Spain). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Tour Rockstar, Cindy Figueroa (Spain) and Leandro Lapasta, violin (Uruguay). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Program Director, Jacob Slattery (United States). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Violinist Pablo Araya Betancort (Spain) and Orchestra Manager, Rubén Gimeno (Spain). Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
Eva Chen (Spain) from Duetto Management and Artistic Coordinator, Gaudy Sánchez (Venezuela / United States) prepare for the upcoming tour. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.
We are grateful for the generous support of…Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación (España)
Secretaría General Iberoamericana (SEGIB) (España)
Alto Comisionado Contra la Pobreza Infantil (España)
Academia Iberoamericana (Colombia)
Festival de Música de Canarias
Frank & Berta Gehry
Fundación Bravura (Bolivia)
Fundación CorpArtes (Chile)
Fundación de Orquestas Juveniles e Infantiles (Chile)
Fundación Municipal de Cultura Oviedo
Fundación Musical Simón Bolívar de Venezuela
Fundacion Orquesta y Coro de la Comunidad de Madrid
Hilti Foundation
Hoteles Barceló
Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura (México)
Joven Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid
Joven Orquesta de Canarias
Joven Orquesta de Euskal Herria
Joven Orquesta de la Comunidad de Madrid (Fundación ORCAM)
Jovem Orquestra Portuguesa
Joven Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia
Los Angeles Philharmonic
Orquesta de Jóvenes de la Región de Murcia
Orquesta Sinfónica Simón Bolívar de Venezuela
Sinfonía por el Perú
Sistema de Orquestas y Coros Juveniles e Infantiles del Uruguay
Sistema Nacional de Fomento Musical en México
Sistema Nacional de Orquestas y Coros Juveniles e Infantiles de Venezuela
Teatro Colón (Argentina)
Vienna Philharmonic
Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA)…for helping us make this vision a reality. Thank you.
THANK YOU!
The Orquesta del Encuentro 2021. Photo: © Samantha López, 2021.