The Government of the State of Lara and the System of Youth and Children's Orchestras of Lara will bring joy and hope into the hearts of thousands of children in Lara through a benefit concert for children in need of this Venezuelan state.

1,300 musicians have been rehearsing for this concert. The Doraliza de Medina Orchestra, the Franco Medina Orchestra, the Little Mozarts Orchestra, the Lara Youth Orchestra, along with children and youth from the núcleos of Lara will share the stage with the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela -- El Sistema’s flagship ensemble -- and the Lara Symphony Orchestra.

Tarcisio Barreto, director of the Vicente Emilio Sojo Conservatory of Music and the Lara Symphony Orchestra, explained that those who attend the festival will enjoy a fabulous entertainment provided by fireworks, mimes, clowns, stilt walkers, and puppeteers. Gustavo told me how pleased he was to perform with the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, El Sistema's top orchestra and wherein he started his professional musical life as conductor, Barreto added.

Nineteen works of the international, Latin American and local repertoire were selected by Dudamel to be performed in this concert.