Members of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela to Visit YOLA at HOLA to Lead Master Classes and Workshops

Orchestra Members to Lead Woodwind, Percussion, Brass and Strings Master Classes

LOS ANGELES (January 17, 2012) – On Monday, January 23rd and Friday, January 27th, members of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela will visit Youth Orchestra Los Angeles at Heart of Los Angeles (YOLA at HOLA). Members of the world-renowned orchestra will lead master classes with YOLA at HOLA woodwind, percussion, brass and string students. Woodwind, percussion and brass workshops will be held on Monday, January 23rd from 4-6 pm and string workshops will be held on Friday, January 27th from 4-6 pm. The master classes will be held in HOLA North, located at 600 S. Lafayette Park Place, and will be followed by concerts in HOLA’s neighborhood Lafayette Park.

YOLA at HOLA is a free music education program made possible through a partnership between HOLA and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. YOLA at HOLA is the second site of Gustavo Dudamel’s signature program, providing participating students with intensive after-school orchestral instruction and academic tutoring. Over the last twenty years, HOLA has developed an effective model for community-based education. With YOLA, HOLA has become a center for joyful music making and a vehicle for social change. In just its second year, YOLA at HOLA now provides music education and academic support services for 180 students in the Rampart District, ages 6-11.

YOLA is the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s initiative to provide access to free, high quality instrumental and orchestral education in order to promote youth development. Central to YOLA is the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s plan to build, with community partners, youth orchestras in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles. YOLA is inspired by El Sistema, the Venezuelan music education system that nurtured Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel. Each year, El Sistema provides a quarter of a million children with free musical instruments and music instruction so that they may play in youth orchestras throughout their countries.

THE SIMÓN BOLÍVAR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF VENEZUELA (SBSOV) was founded by José Antonio Abreu and a group of fellow musicians, who were inspired by the ideals of Simón Bolívar. The orchestra is comprised of over 200 young musicians between the ages of 18 and 28, and is the most polished artistic product of the National System of Youth and Children’s Orchestras. Gustavo Dudamel is the Music Director of SBSOV.

HOLA’s after-school programs have made a vital difference to students 6-19 years old, attending overburdened schools in the Rampart District and surrounding neighborhoods that lack access to quality enrichment programming and academic assistance. HOLA provides underserved youth with exceptional programs in academics, arts and athletics within a nurturing environment, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education and strengthen their communities. For over 20 years, HOLA has helped young people reach their potential, rather than succumb to the lures of gang life, drugs and juvenile delinquency.

Reporters interested in covering these events should contact HOLA’s Communications Director, Lee Schube, at (213) 389-1148, ext. 232 or lschube@heartofla.org, or the LA Phil’s Senior Publicist, Lisa Bellamore, at (213) 972-3689 or lbellamore@laphil.org.

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For Immediate Release