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The Citizens of the World Festival

Lauren Rausch, YOLA National Festival Violin Faculty

09-04-2024

YOLA National Symphony students performing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Photo: Paul Cressey.

For the last eight years, I’ve coached violinists for the YOLA National Festival. Each summer, it is a remarkable thing to walk into the first sectional on the first day and witness an exceptional level of preparation from 18 violinists who, for the most part, don’t know each other and have never played together—a group of students that have made a commitment to each other before even meeting one another. This is what defines the YOLA National Festival: the dedication and integrity of all participants, a spirit that lives in the YNF students and also in the staff and the incredible faculty who return each summer. It is a special and profoundly devoted community, something I have not witnessed elsewhere.

YNF students performing. Photo: Paul Cressey.

This year’s festival was no exception. YOLA National students and faculty came from all parts of the country and a variety of different programs, all with their own identities. In almost no time, they developed strong friendships and became a close-knit group of fellow musicians who lifted each other up. YNF students comprised two orchestras: the YOLA National Symphony Orchestra (ages 14–18), led by José Ángel Salazar Marín, and the YOLA National Overture Orchestra (ages 12–14), led by Kalena Bovell. They all rehearsed for ten days in daily sectionals and full orchestra rehearsals to prepare for a culminating performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. As a part of their final performance, Symphony Orchestra students were conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, who approached students as musicians without limits, setting expectations high and creating an environment that inspired them to perform at a level they did not know existed—an unforgettable and rewarding experience. 

A unique layer was added to the festival experience: YNF students were joined by the National Children’s Symphony (NCS) of Venezuela, who were wrapping up their tour of United States. At the final concerts, about 20 Venezuelan students performed side by side with the YNF, and an equal number of YNF students played side by side with the NCS. The rest of the young musicians supported one another with great enthusiasm from their seats in the audience. 

Multiple YNF students and faculty commented on how meaningful it was to reconnect with some of their Venezuelan friends and colleagues. And both orchestras were able to learn more about each other’s musical backgrounds through observed rehearsals and performances. It was a beautiful example of music bringing two diverse communities together, and it reminded us all that, through this art form, we find a shared source of inspiration and purpose.

Community Building, Cultural Exchange, Gustavo Dudamel, Inspiration Through Music, International Collaboration, José Ángel Salazar Marín, Kalena Bovell, Lauren Rausch, Music Education, Musical Friendships, National Children's Symphony of Venezuela, Orchestral Performance, September 2024, Violin Coaching, Walt Disney Concert Hall, YOLA National Festival, Youth Music Programs, Youth Orchestras

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