Encuentros Orchestra

A champion of the belief in music’s power to unite and inspire, Gustavo Dudamel created the idea of Encuentros (English: “encounters”) in 2018 through his foundation as a way to explore cultural unity and celebrate harmony, equality, dignity, beauty, and respect through music, with the goal of inspiring and teaching a new generation of young leaders to work toward building a better world. Under the direction and leadership of Dudamel and his wife and foundation co-chair María Valverde, more than 100 top-tier young musicians (ages 18–26) from the Americas and around the world—from 34 youth-orchestra and El Sistema-inspired programs in 22 countries—join YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) and YOLA National alumni from the United States for master classes, rehearsals, cultural activities, conversations, concerts, and more, as they work side-by-side in the Encuentros Orchestra.

Over this summer’s two-week orchestral training festival, the young musicians will also participate in community initiatives, mentorship opportunities with the YOLA National Festival, and projects throughout Los Angeles, culminating with concerts across California.