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Maestro Gus Dogamel
 mascot for your Altoona Symphony Orchestra

The character, Gus, was created as a lighthearted tribute to world renowned
conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Who, at age 31, is one of the most respected and exciting conductors in the world! We hope Gus will create a fun introduction to
music for kids of all ages! Follow Gus on his weekly musical adventure in the
Altoona Mirror, Kids Page!

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Maestro Gustavo Dudamel

A world class conductor and inspiration for our Symphony Mascot, Gustavo Dudamel is one of the most decorated conductors of his generation. 
Gustavo Dudamel hails from humble beginnings in the small town of Barquisimeto, Venezuela. Born in 1981, he began violin lessons as a child with José Luis Jiménez at the Jacinto Lara Conservatory. He continued his violin studies with José Francisco del Castillo at the Latin American Academy of Violin. His conducting studies began in 1996 with Rodolfo Saglimbeni and, the
same year, he was given his first conducting position, Music Director of the
Amadeus Chamber Orchestra.  In 1999, he was appointed Music Director of the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra and began conducting studies with the orchestra’s founder, Dr. Abreu; a few years later in 2004, Dudamel was brought to international attention by winning the inaugural Bamberger Symphoniker Gustav Mahler Competition. These early musical and mentoring experiences molded his commitment to music as an engine for social change – a lifelong passion.

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