When conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s international tours are disrupted by deadly protests across his native Venezuela, one of the world’s greatest and most beloved musicians faces the challenge of a lifetime —one that will deepen his commitment to the mentor who changed his life, upend relationships with friends and musicians he’s led since his teens, and test his belief in art’s transformative capacity. ¡VIVA MAESTRO!, the uplifting and timely new documentary from acclaimed director Ted Braun, follows Dudamel around the world as he responds to these unexpected and daunting obstacles with powerful music-making and an innovative and triumphant concert that celebrates the power of art to renew and unite.
The Los Angeles Times“Riveting. The great joy of ¡Viva Maestro! is how well Braun captures the sensation of Dudamel conducting and the sound of the orchestra.”
The New York Times“Dudamel is a joyfully appealing figure, and the film benefits from following such an amiable subject.”
The Washington Post“A transfixing portrait.”