This is a dream program for me: Dudamel conducting Beethoven’s expansive Symphony No. 7—that sublime second movement—and the fully choreographed version of Gabriela Ortiz‘s emotionally riveting Revolución diamantina (Glitter Revolution, an LA Philharmonic commission). The performance comes on the heels of a double-triumph by Ortiz, Dudamel, and the LA Phil at this month’s GRAMMY® awards: they were awarded the Best Classical Compendium for Yanga and Best Contemporary Classical Composition for Dzonot. 

Revolución diamantina dramatizes the feminist “Glitter Revolution” in Ortiz’s native Mexico, a feminist protest movement in Mexico City against rampant gender-based violence, police brutality, and systemic impunity. The movement began in August 2019 after protesters showered the city’s police chief with pink glitter to demand justice for the alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl by officers. I was able to interview Ortiz when the work was first premiered by the LA Phil in a concert version. Ortiz’s vision was always for a ballet version, so this concert will be especially thrilling—the full realization of the composer. The Brazilian dance company, Grupo Corpo, will provide the movement magic, while the Los Angeles Master Chorale brings powerful vocals to the presentation.

I’ll also talk about Beethoven, of course, including why so many people see the Seventh Symphony as a celebration of dance.