LOS ANGELES (CNS) – Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic will present “A Concert for Venezuela” at the Hollywood Bowl next month to raise money for victims of the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation.
The benefit concert is scheduled for Aug. 23 and will feature Dudamel conducting the LA Philharmonic, according to organizers.
A full program and guest artists will be announced later.
“Venezuela will always be my home, and every moment, my thoughts are with the families whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy,” Dudamel said in a statement. “The suffering is immense, but so is the strength and resilience of our people. This concert at the Hollywood Bowl is an invitation to stand together and transform our compassion into action.”
He said proceeds from the event will support humanitarian aid and long-term recovery efforts through partnerships with the United Nations Development Programme and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.
“Every person who joins us and every contribution made is a reminder to the people of Venezuela that they are not alone,” Dudamel said. “Together, through music, generosity and hope, we will help our country heal and rebuild.”
The LA Phil also announced a $50,000 charitable donation to support earthquake relief efforts.
“In moments of profound need, our responsibility as an institution extends beyond the stage,” LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy said in a statement. “We are grateful for the opportunity to provide direct financial support to relief efforts for communities in Venezuela … and to stand alongside Gustavo in bringing this concert to life at the Bowl.”
The Aug. 23 performance will serve as Dudamel’s final Hollywood Bowl concert as the LA Phil’s music and artistic director before he departs to become music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic.
The concert replaces the previously announced “Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl: A Musical Legacy” concert. The event will remain part of a weeklong celebration honoring Dudamel’s tenure with the orchestra.