Maria Andrade
I missed this concert, but as a Venezuelan I am greatfull for your wonderful remarks and praise. It gives me a feeling of the emotions that rang through RAH that night. I will be waiting for a DVD of the concert... please!

John Davies
This was by far the most exhilarating and life-affirming concert I have ever experienced, and at the age of 64 I've experienced quite a few! The young Venezuelans played with total commitment, and a phenomenal level of musical skill, but most of all they played with sheer exuberance and patently obvious enjoyment. There MUST be a DVD of it in its entirety - including the audience involvement at the end, which was not televised - so that the thousand who missed can find out what a Prom is all about. Pure magic!

Perlita Ferrer
I have no words, absolutely inspiring, please let us have the DVD of this extraordinary performance. Muchas Gracias BBC

Ulla Mercer
Absolutely the best EVER Proms night I have seen in 35 years. I sat on the edge of my seat throughout Shostakovich 10 and did not even notice my bum was becoming numb. In fact I can't remember breathing at all.... Never have I heard Shostakovich played with such a fresh and lively touch - he would have liked it himself!Please BBC, let us have a DVD of this most remarkable, fresh, inspiring and super talented orchestra performance! The ethos and pure joy of Gustavo Dudamel and his fellow young musicians gives hope and happiness to many of us for a long time to come.

Sarah Bailey
Prom 48 was absolutely everything that has been said above - Fantastique ....& yes a DVD of it would be magic - so please could you fix it for us!!I cannot wait for this Thursdays repeat!Muchas gracias

James
Simply inspirational if anyone needed convincing of the power of music and how it binds society! I listened to the live radio broadcast saddened that I wasn't present, but a few days later a friend showed me a TV recording ... how can anyone NOT be moved by this orchestra!? I know that the Scottish gvt are looking into the phenonmenon of the "systema", it can't be set up fast enough, our Youth are directionless! Thanks to the BBC for this life-affirming Prom!

Stevie
I've been playing in symphony orchestras for 20 years, this concert brought me close to tears. Fantastic.

Michael Lasser
Almost two weeks later I'm still reeling from the experience of listening to this momentous performance. I can only voice my total agreement with the eloquent comments posted by many others regarding the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra and Gustavo Dudamel. I would like to thank the Proms audience, too; for their wildly enthusiastic, uninhibited support brings tears to my eyes. A benchmark for two remarkable institutions that deserves worldwide DVD release. And please include the final, joyous encore!

K McD
I was away for the telecast and have only just got round to watching it - WOW! Give them the Last Night next year because this is the future of classical music. DVDs of the concert should be sent free to every school in the country and two to Gordon Brown. Viva la sistima!

Acas 7i11o
I am very happy to read all these positive comments about the orchestra. I was only able to see a video of their presentation and it's terrific as usual. I suggest that people wanting to know more about the orchestra and the system that created look for a DVD called "Tocar y Luchar".

Joanna Jenkins
I have just seen on the R3 messageboard that this Prom will be repeated, but on BBC4. Please, please, please repeat it on BBC2 where it is accessible to all. I don't have satellite but luckily a friend recorded it for me. Please make this available to as wide an audience as possible, this is just the thing to get young people hooked on classical music. The best Prom for years.

Dorinda Maurer
I unfortunately missed most of the Simon Bolivar Concert.... I was rivoted in my chair during the little I caught. Please will it be repeated. This is an urgent cry from an elderly English lady living in Germany!

Chris Wadsworth
I went to the concert and have just watched it all again, half expecting to be less impressed this time. Nothing could be further from the truth; to see the joy on the faces of these young musicians as they played was incredibly uplifting. It’s all been said in the comments received so far. Certainly, the best concert I’ve been to since I saw Bernstein conduct Mahler 5 back in the mid 80s, and I am even considering this concert to be in second place now. The concert must be screened in the House of Commons to all our MPs to show what can be done with well-focused resources as the Venezuelans have achieved so magnificently. Forget the repeat on BBC2, this must be on BBC1, and in prime time, using the red button facility to show what some of Britain’s youth, caught up in the violence of gang culture, has been up to this summer. This would bring home the tragic nature of Shostakovich 10 and the truly tragic state of the decline of some parts of society in this country. For me, ‘Rule Britannia’ will have an even more hollow feel, at this years Last Night.

Joy McCombie
Sadly we missed the first half of this amazing concert - when we did stumble upon it we were totally hooked! The enthusiasm and sheer joy of the orchestra and their incredible conductor was obvious and infectious. I do hope it will be possible for a dvd to be released, or at least a repeat of the performance on BBC 1 or 2 - this should be seen by as many people as possible. What an inspiration to us all. It was a shame that we were not given the opportunity to see the third encore - sounded fun!! I hope that Gustavo Dudamel and the SBYOV will be aware of the tremendous reaction following their concert - they deserve all the accolades they receive. I will certainly be looking out for any moreperformances by this dynamic orchestra.

Graham Goldspring
This concert was one of the best-if not THE best-I have attended in many years and I have been attending the Proms since the days of Malcolm Sargent.Reading about the plight of so many young people in the world through neglect and poverty, it was so moving to see-and hear-these youngsters play their hearts out. It has changed their lives and the lives of so many listeners.This must be an example to be followed in bringing people together through music.I agree with another reviewer that a DVD would sell 1000s and the proceeds should go to helping young people make a better life for themselves through music.

Tim Auger
Just caught the concert here in Singapore before it disappeared from the Internet. Simply fantastic - a DVD's a must: I would have loved to see it in pictures as well as sound. Probably the most exciting prom I have heard for a very long time.

Iain Donnelly
walked past the musicians outside as they and we were leaving and they were still being applauded, yes, outside.Never seen that in 30 years.Bloody hell, what a performance.

S. Pearson
We were so lucky to get returned tickets for this. It was the best concert we had ever been to - such enthusiasm and vitality. We were sitting at the side and able to watch the conductor's face as he encouraged and enthused the players. What rapport he had with them! Congratulations to all the young musicians on a superb performance. Like everyone else, we hope the BBC will produce a CD or DVD of this concert.

Steph Chorley
Days after watching it, I still get a thrill at the memory of this wonderful performance. Please, please release it on a DVD as quickly as possible.

Javier Díaz
I grew up attending every week to the Simon Bolivar concerts in Caracas. (I owe them a lot) I know they are very good, but listening to them in the Proms and with such a reaction from the public, brought me to tears. Thank you all.

Rhion Jones
Simply the most exciting Prom we've been to in about 15 years, possibly equalled only by Mahler 2 with Simon Rattle a few years ago. The enthusiasm of the string players was heart-warming and their overall approach a real tonic.

Karin Edwards
Well, I was initially SO very disappointed to narrowly miss getting in to attend this concert--number 10 in the Gallery queue when they officially sold out. :-( My fault really, as I was late getting down there to queue -and- I must have told at least 10 people not to give it a miss! :-) As one of those who caught their 'filling-in' Saturday late-night performance (brass and percussion sections) for a late-cancelling Maxim Vengerov, I had an idea what a treat we would be in for. But, they exceeded even that lofty expectation!Oh well, I rushed home to catch the delayed broadcast on BBC4, which, in itself, did not disappoint (except for lopping off the third encore, perhaps).Note to the Beeb, please make contractual arrangements with the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela (and Deutsche Grammophon with whom the talented Gustavo Dudamel is contracted) to release a DVD of this spectacular performance, with proceeds shared with, or better yet, ALL profits going to support the orchestra and El Sistema.Muchas gracias to all involved for a magical performance! They're already booked for next year's Proms, no? :-)Meanwhile, I'll just have to content myself with the Proms Listen Again and hunting down a couple of DG recordings (Mahler Symphony No.5 and Beethoven Nos.5+7). YEAH!

Andrew Holmes
Even four days after the concert it resonates in my mind. Such wonderful joy and passion from the musicians and their genius conductor.This ranks for me as the best prom for sheer delight in more than forty years of proms pleasure.Thank you

Maurice Bursby
Until now I placed shostakovich 4,7 and 8 above 10.After watching the wonderful performance by the young Venezuelans on Tv I have come to realise that maybe the critics are right in saying this symphony is Shostakovich's masterpiece.Even so the fourth symphony is still my favourite.As for the rest of the Prom it was most infectious and a pleasure to see and hear.The performances of all the works had me watching the sheer joy,concentration and commitment of everyone involved -performers and audience alike.

A Neurin
From the very first moment, when the orchestra filed onto the stage, applauded by the Prommers, the orchestra, as one , applauded back, then stood up. What a start! Priviledge to be there, must be repeated on BBC2, an the CD and DVD issued. The Beeb could make a fortune. There must be a lesson here for us, but where is the political will within New Labour? Nowhere!

Diana Grylls
Electrifying.Please make available a DVD assoon as possible.

Liz Sich
I came for the Shostakovich and was bowled over by the entire evening - undoubtedly the best concert I have ever been too. It was truly life-enhancing. Please repeat on BBC One or Two and please release it on DVD if you can - I have told so many people about it now, they are all waiting to see it.

Alistair Horn, Edinburgh
I was not at the Prom, but listened on radio 3 and have listened several times since then, BUT I was at the Edinburgh Festival concert of the same programme and can reiterate everything that has been said about the Orchestra and Gustavo Dudamel. It was a phenomenal concert and probably the best concert I have attended in 30 years of attending the Edinburgh Festival. I was very tempted to travel to London to hear (and see!) it all again. And yes, can we have a DVD of this concert.

Vanessa Daly
This was an amazing concert, full of emotion, which brought pure joy to the audience. I am Venezuelan and have lived in the UK for 10 years; being at the Albert Hall and seeing those children play with such energy was both very special and inspiring. I hope they return to the UK soon. Please broadcast the full concert on the BBC soon; Venezuelans living in this country would really appreciate it.

Kathy A Roberts
An incredible performance on all levels by all involved. The passion and sheer love of music just enthralled throughout each stage of the evening. The best ever. Kathy - Worcestershire.

Clara
Absolute magic. I am still coming to terms with one of the best concerts I have ever seen. The orchestra was of such energy and talent... I am lost for words. I keep on listening over and over again. Thank you so much for making this happen. Music CAN really change the world. WELL DONE TO EL GENIO DUDAMEL AND ALL THE ORCHESTRA! I really hope you enjoyed it as much as the audience did...

Livonet Suárez
You are the best boys and girls from the youth Orchestra of Venezuela. There are no words to explain how I felt listening to you..!

Peter H Cook
What a prom! Please, please repeat the televised broadcast, complete with third encore if possible, and even better, release it on DVD. I haven't heard or seen a more wonderful performance in over 40 years of following the Proms!

Richard Jessen
If there is any more powerful statement about the value of youth playing classical music, this concert was proof and more proof of that statement. The Simon Bolivar Orchestra of Venezuela, made up of students of all ages, is one remarkable orchestra. They managed to play with colour and imagination the difficult Shostakovich 10th Symphony, a work which daunting for more professional ensembles. Under Maestro Dudamel's leadership and inspired guidance, they simply played this work magnificently. The last half showed off the group's virtuosity with Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story" Dances (Arranged by Sid Ramin). The works by Monacyo, and Ginastera were the highlights of a growing curve, the percussion players in particular playing their hearts out. Indeed, this was the most enjoyable and rewarding evening, bourne out by the shouts and cheers of delight from the Prommers. And the band played on, so great was their resiliency and love for their music. Gustavo Dudamel deserves high praise for energizing his players to play beyond their capacities. He has a brilliant future ahead of him and hopefully he will not become disgusted and disillusioned with his career. Definitely both the players of this unique ensemble and conductor need further watching by the world of music, both listeners and, more hopefully, record companies!

Tony Jones
What a night!! How can the BBC make a mint? easy-peasy, put that concert onto DVD- soon, I'm sure it would sell like hot cakes. Is there going to be a repeat on 1 or 2 of the full concert, if not then "Auntie" is failing us, I have a number of friends who were unable to watch the original (no digi). Come on BBC- a worthwhile repeat surely!!

S Lloyd
What a fantastic evening's entertainment; I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of both conductor and musicians. Let us hope that they are a permanent Proms fixture from now on.

Rakoto Nirina
The whole family had a fantastic time at this Prom - please produce a DVD so we can see all of the orchestra (not just the half we saw from the side of the circle!) and so we can relive the amazing experience. Thank you to the Youth Orchestra of Venezuela - you were fantastic!! Rakotonirina Family

Malcolm Menzies
Scrap the Last Night. Substitute this fantastic life and music affirming occasion. I am so glad that the broadcast obviously came across so well. I was one of the lucky ones to be THERE! close to the players and FEELING their passion and joy in performance. It really was an experience that I want to repeat over and over again. What a model for changing young peoples lives. How great to hear that Scotland has picked up the reins and has started a "sistema" of its own. How about it Ken?

Chris Caryer
A superb concert on all fronts! This what music making is all about. Every now and again we are privileged to drop in on a concert either in the hall or on the radio that simply HAPPENS: this one certainly did just that.The account of the Shotstakovich was a sublime, intense and stirring account of the composer's pent-up thoughts on Stalin; the playing seemed to command one to listen to and take note of the depiction of grief, anger, (coded) love and joyous exuberance of the music therein contained.The Gershwin had all the swagger, soul and sophistication one could wish from the piece.I have occasionally heard pieces from the South American continent and Mexico in the past. The performances that poured into our home left us feeling good to be alive!I would also welcome another chance to hear and indeed see this wonderful evening again.This is an orchestra and conductor that performs MUSIC because they ENJOY what they are doing and want to impart this to their appreciative audiences. They do much more than merely trot out all the notes as a matter of routine; this is musicianship of the highest order!What a shame that the Telegraph critic has to hide his limited comments behind a wall of well-intentioned caution and that he couldn't say anything positive about the Rite on Friday apart from some meaningless comparison between composers!I note the lack of reviews of Friday evening's concert and the huge response to this one. Says it all doesn't it?

Tony Converse
I first discovered this orchestra on You Tube, having discovered Dudamel on an Internet broadcast from La Scala last year and looking him up, having never heard of him before.What a phenomenon for the ongoing life of " Classical Music" this orchestra and conductor is.And the irony is that with Chavez in Venezuela demonizing us in the USA, and our idiot President demonizing him, here are staggeringly talented young people totally transcending through art all this nonsense.And the LA Philharmonic, in a stroke of genius has hired Dudamel to succeed Salonen as music director. And the orchestra will be at Carnegie Hall this Fall conducted by both Dudamel and Simon Rattle.Judging from the reception this concert received at the Proms, the reception I'm sure it will have in NYC one can almost believe that art can transcend politics.It really takes one out of the gloom that, at least here in the US, we seem to be mired in.Tony Converse

David, Venezuela
mounstrisimo, me llamo Davidy soy de venezuela

Miguel
The passion and beauty of Venezuela is truly represented by the magnificence of this orquestra and its sensational conductor. What talent!

Peter Hignett
I sat rivetted to my tv screen throughout this wonderful Prom. I can't ever remember a concert which has moved me so much - the sheer joy, excitement, commitment of these young players was a supreme inspiration. I think an awareness of the deprivation they have suffered at home perhaps gave the occasion an added dimension. BBC - you absolutely MUST repeat this entire broadcast (complete with the exhuberant 3rd encore which was not shown on BBC4). I'm sure our own young musicians couldn't fail to have been inspired by either attending or watching this Prom. Perhaps it could be reproduced on DVD for posterity?

Marja Wright
It was total magic!An excellent choice to follow Esa-Pekka Salonen in LA.

Jan en Joke van der Linden, Holland
Congratulations to all who organized this amazing evening. Never seen or heard this before,Thanks, Jan en Joke van der Linden, Holland

José R. Díaz
I am venezuelan and lived in England for 3 years. I know what the Proms are like. Quite a fantastic experience. So what makes me so proud is to read all these comments made by english people. Theirs is the best homage that can be paid to José Antonio Abreu. The MAN behind the whole proyect. I can say I had one of the best experiences in music last sunday when I heard those young boys on BBC. And the audience behave like our audiences behave when our wonderful orchestra plays either at the Aula Magna at the Central University or at the Teresa Carreño or like they have done in many other cities accross the country.As many others have said, please edit a DVD and make this jewel available to everybody. Don't think more words should added.Thanks again for letting us share this beauty.

Steve, Huddersfield
In all my years of Proms experience I have rarely been so electrified as with this superb young group of musicians and their dynamic conductor. They put many 'professional' performances I've heard to shame. Now is there ANY chance of a C.D. of this concert? I think it would sell rather well I think....

Michael Knight
I don't think I have previously heard a performance of the Shostakovich 10th Symphony which has contained so much passion and conviction, nor one that has been so brilliantly conceived and played. Gustavo Dudamel is one's dream of what a conductor can and should be; as well as being a brilliant musician he is a most engaging and sympathetic personality. That he is soon to become the Music Director of the Los Angeles Symphony is most excellent news for Angelinos and enough to make one think of moving to the US West Coast; but of course one hopes that Dudamel will also still find the time to continue to work with this exceptional young orchestra of his compatriots. Could I second others in asking the BBC to find time to re-broadcast this concert so that we may both see and hear it again?

Teresa Verney
Having been at the prom I endorse all the above. Please, please will you now re-broadcast so that we can hear it again and see the players in close-up

John McCarthy
A total delight. The music, the enthusiasm of the orchestra and the obvious enjoyment of performing was absolutely wonderful.I can't praise it enough. Please repeat several times this year and invite this orchestra back a.s.a.p.

James Alexander
What an incredible Prom! I feel honoured that I was present to witness it first hand. I cannot add more to the glowing reviews that precede this one, but it was truly inspiring and will be a memory that will endure for many many years. I just hope that the orchestra will see all these reviews and in turn we can inspire them too! Thank you very much SBYOV, keep the music alive.

James Hanrahan
A happy encounter on BBC 4. Sheer musical brilliance, communicating soul, emotion and joy. I don't think I have smiled as much at a Prom. That an Orchestra and Conductor can inspire such a beautiful reaction from audience and viewer alike is a very precious thing indeed. Thank you all. Please return soon.

Richard Hollister
Moved to tears, but much much more was the obvious enjoyment the orchestra had sharing their enthusiasm. Come back soon

Gill - Gloucestershire
What a stunning evening's entertainment! A conductor who didn't use a score throughout the entire evening yet led the orchestra as if every note were dancing in front of his eyes. An orchestra which played with enormous passion, verve, vitality and enjoyment. An audience hooked from the very first notes. Soloists worthy of the greatest orchestras in the world.Magnificent! Surely this is what music should be about - reaching out and touching people. If only young people in this country had access to this kind of performance and live music - how could they fail to be inspired by such passion?!

Moorrise
Wonderful, truely wonderful! This prom should be sent to every school in th eland to inspire our young people to pick up an instrument and see the fun they can have. BBC: PLEASE repeat or release on DVD

Peter King
I was present in the hall and agree with the reviewers above. This was committed and passionate music-making, very ably directed by a conductor who clearly has a great future ahead of him. Anyone who thinks of classical music as boring or old-fashioned should have been there to see the reality of live music making. Of course there was the odd problem with tuning and a few lapses in ensemble (what do you expect with such a huge band), but you can forgive that when the whole performance radiates such obvious enthusiasm.

Rosemary Leeke
As others have observed, this breathtaking concert deserves a full slot on BBC2 to bring it to a wider audience. Having been prvileged to be in the Arena on Sunday evening, I would now like the chance to relish it again in broadcast form - and on television because this is such an exciting band of musicians to watch as well as listen to. As a teacher I also echo the calls for the UK to learn from the Venezuelan sistema and give all our young people, irrespective of their social and economic circumstances, the chance to experience the joy of music-making like this.

James Ellis of Cardiff
MY GOD WHAT A CONCERT AND I WAS ONLY SEEING IT ON TV. THIS WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR. PURE MAGIC!!!!

James Alexander
Superb, moving and really life affirming! Bravi Tutti!

David Park
What a cracking evening out at the Proms! Spellbinding performances. What a personality this orchestra has... and so versatile. Proud to have been there giving them a standing ovation.

Vanessa Ranson
Wonderful prom, we were sat in the choir watching it and were just amazed at Dudamel conducting without music for the whole night! We loved the fact that the orchestra turned around to bow to us sat behind them at during the encores. Loved watching the masses of percussionists milling around and swapping instruments, and amazed at the young lady who stood up playing her double base all night, and then attempted to lift it up during the 'dancing' encores! Is the BBC going to show this on TV again?

Viviana M
The best Prom i've ever been. AMAZING!

Chris Hockham
Unfortunately I was only able to see the latter half of the concert but it was such a joy to see young musicians and their conductor play so well and with such enthusiasm and feeling. Please BBC could you repeat this concert a.s.a.p. If so, could you please let me know when it will be broadcast again. I am sure that many more people would love to have the opportunity to see again too.Congratulations to all concerned.

Michael Flint
This was indeed a concert to be seen as well as heard. So let's have that DVD a.s.a.p.

A. Sasse
One of the most enjoyable Proms ever - the performance of the pieces by Marquez and Ginestera were hypnotic...

Howard
This was a truly memorable concert - made even more memorable by the conductor. But it was the orchestra who stole our hearts - they were just magical.

John Voaden
Great concert, the best Shostakovich Tenth I have heard

GIll Marshall
This concert was stunning. The orchestra played beautifully feeling every part of the music from the most tender passages to the stormy sections. Gustavo Dudamel conducted in one of the most sensitive manners I have ever seen and guided the orchestra to feel every part of each piece. I wish I could see this all over again.

Jeremy Harmer
If there was ever a concert to show how important and serious music should and can be, and what hugely good fun it can generate, this exceptional prom surely was the one. The playing in Shostakovich 10 was spellbing, the huge string section playing with disciplned passion - huge surges and amazingly impressive pianissimos with just took your breath away. Some sparkling woodwind playing - an amazing oboe solist - and a beautiful soulful horn. There was picolo playing of awesome power (and great beauty in the second half from a differet player too). This was the kind of Shostakovich that Shostakovich, I suggest, would love to have heard. Absolutely enthralling and above all, deeply moving. If the Bernstein sounded a bit contrived after all that passion, the wonderful Mexican Danzon of Marques with its lilting swaying movement was impossible to resist, and the Ginestera just, well, rocked. And then they blew the whole prommy audience to bits with displays of such joyful, youthful, absurd fooling around (dancing, swaying, stomping, instrument-waving) that it was just good to be alive. This was the greatest testamennt to the power of this kind of music that there could possibly have been.And when will we ever again see an entire double bass section, instruments in their hands, racing up the steps in the middle of a performance? Probably not until the Simon Bolivar orchestra come back again!

Philip Jongeneel
The SBYO of Venezuela under Gustavo Dudamel have proven to belong to the worlds top orchestras. The great musicianship of orchestra and conductor is evident in the way both the Shostakovich and then the Lationamericano music was perfomed, Opposites and yet each excelled in the way each needs to be, from the sombre and mordant wit of the Shostakovich 10 to the exuberance of the Danzon No 2.All the works played last night I know very well indeed, and I do not exaggerate to say that I found all the performances to be among the best I have heard.Lets have more of this.

Steve, Wiltshire
It would be impossible to be adversely critical of this Prom. It was superb in every way. The Simon Boliva Youth Orchestra of Venezuela has so much to offer (and to teach us) in terms of both musical excellence and the exuberance with which it is delivered. Wonderful!

Norma Wardle
Venezuelan concert.Wonderful concert last night. Dudamel is electric,just as he was in Liverpool some months ago. BUT we cannot hear what Verity Sharp is saying over the applause. This seems to happen with every concert.

Andreas UK
an excellent performance of this orchestra. This brings a new fresh perspective to classical music. Not the "old" guard is playing for an "old" audience but a lot of young people playing to a mixed and very young audience in highest music quality. I have seen orchestres with a lot of depressed musicians - This on the other hand was a brilliant performance and a truely enjoyable and enchanting evening. Lovely - and please MORE OF THAT !!!

John Marshall, Dawlish.
Stunning performance by Youth Orchestra and Dudamel - vibrant and invigorating. Moved to tears in the Shostakovich.As a former headteacher I would be ecstatic if such a free musical education could be provided for UK children.What would it do for classical/all music in this country?

John M (Sutton Coldfield)
This was music as it should be played and enjoyed - by audience and performers alike. This was an inspired choice of repertoire and brilliantly (the only word to use)played. Long may this orchestra be a part of the Proms season.

Tyler Singos
This was truly a feast for the ears and eyes. All the musicians looked like they were having a wonderful time lead by an amazing conductor and the selection of music was sensational. Would love to hear more from this orchestra, hopefully their work is on CD

Nuala Laird
what a wonderful experience - I am so happy to have been part of it.

David Nicol, Torquay
amazing, simply amazing! That's all I can say about the performance at the Proms by the Simón Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela....but why was it on BBC4 and not BBC2? It needed a far larger audience! Well done everyone involved with the production though.

Reg Tripp
Fantastic. I was totally mesmerised by the enire performance of conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the amazing Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela. I wish I could have been there to see and hear them live but the BBC 4 programme was almost as good, better in many ways. Congratulations to all concerned. Is this performance going to be issued as a recording.If so I want it.

Isac
I think the concert was superb, and the orchestra and director were very able musicians, full of enthusiasm and joy of playing. They showed "Joie de Vivre" in playing, which the public felt and appreciated.I will now try to purchase a CD with their work.Felicitaciones hermanos latinoamericanos!Cucho (uruguayo, radicado en Uk en los ultimos 34 anios).

David Bishop
I enjoyed the concert enormously. The standard of play and the enthusiasm of the musicians and conductor inspiring.The opportunity to hear the work of, regrettably ignored, South American composers was welcome although I am conversant with the works of Villa Lobos. Mompou and Piazzola.The interpretation of Bernstein was the best I have heard.Is this concert likely to be issued on a CD?

Ben James
This was the most absolutely inspiring and amazing concert i have ever been too. As a member of a county youth orchestra it has given me such drive to learn and develop my skills more. This orchestra i could watch every day, what passion, excitement and enthusiasm. Pure brilliance!! Ben James

Maria
The greatest standing ovation I've ever seen in the Royal Albert Hall ever. Magic atmosphere & performance.

Matt Walker, London
What a brilliant Prom - even if the audience's enthusiasm threatened occasionally to overshadow the excitement on stage (note to the lady in the stalls: you should wait until the conductor drops his hands before applauding; and then some moron in the boxes had left his phone on!). The orchestra played with huge zest and great skill - not once were they floored by the demanding fingerwork in the Shostakovich nor the tricky time signatures in the Bernstein. But it was in the Latin American numbers - especially in Ginastera's "Estancia" - where the orchestra's vibrancy was truly revealed. And then, even though the concert itself had been thrilling enough for most of the audience, the orchestra was fully let off the leash in the encores, when the youngsters donned jackets bearing the colours of the Venezuelan flag before dancing round the stage in their third encore, a reprise of the "Malamba" dance from the fourth movement of the Estancia. A brilliant Prom conducted by a truly sparkling talent (think of a young Simon Rattle with soul) - we will be seeing a lot more of Gustavo Dudamel, and I for one will search his concerts out in future. My only regret is that I did not get my hands on one of the Venezuelan jackets which the orchestral players threw into the crowd at the end of the concert like footballers who had just won the World Cup… but then who needs the beautiful game when you get treated to beautiful music like we were last night. ¡Muchas gracias a todo el mundo!

Mike Vickers
It was an absolutely fabulous evening, listening to those young people playing with such vivacity because they love music for its own sake and not because they were being paid to do it. As their young conductor said they were all friends and a family. ( but Simon Rattle has a lot to answer for re hairstyles! )I have rarely enjoyed a Prom more. Great!

Pauline
Anyone who thinks classical is uncool should have been there last night - it was simply wonderful to see the entire audience on its feet acknowledging such a brilliant young orchestra. The best ten pounds I have ever spent

Simon Evans
An absolute treat of a concert. An orchestra full of genuine passion and energy providing a refreshing interpretation on such a well known symphony. A thoroughly enjoyable evening's entertainment, easily worth the £5 promming entry!

Patrick Leahy, Kent
Simply fantastic. Symphony no.10 was very well played, and I thought that was the best version of the fourth movement I have ever heard. The composer and orchestra were extremely fun to watch.

Chris Terry
What an amazing evening last night at the proms. Forget your flag on the last night, the performance from the Simon Bolivar Orchestra was surely the event of the season thus far. The Shostakovich in the first half was amazing, not least for it's breakneck speed on occasion. The Berstein and Latin American performances in the second half really built up energy within the Albert Hall, and most of those I spoke to afterwards agreed it was one of the best nights on so many levels that they had been to. Those young Venezuelans really know how to perform!

Pete Bulk
Last nights concert was what live music is all about. It was received by an audience with the same amount of passion as it was played and both came across to this viewer who was just seeing what was on and immediately hooked to the point the answer-machine had to take three calls!

C. Causon
WOW! What an awe inspiring concert by some of the most talented and youngest musicians I have seen on the RAH stage. From start to finish the orchestra and conductor commanded the entire emotional respect of the audience. Taking us on a journey from the deepest sorrow to the most mountanous highs. The performace was so much fun, and this was clear... two encores just simply wasn't enough!

SYIC
Flambuoyant, colourful and exciting. Quite frankly this was refreshingly unique. And Dudamel conducting, with NO score in front of him, was unbelievable, especially as Shostakovich's 10th isn't the easiest to remember.

Isaac Salmeron
Superb

Thoroughly Good
The Youth Orchestra of Venezuela demonstrated a rare talent, offering a heady concoction of youthful exuberance and professional dexterity and musicality. There's was a great performance throughout. If there was one work which stood out it was Bernstein's Symphonic Dances, a stalwart for any youth orchestra's repertoire. The Venezuelans performance had verve and panache. Not many bands pull that off. Brilliant.

Summer Staylor
Totaly inspiring evening of music. This is what true music should be about, the highest standaerd of playing and musicallity combined with an energy that infects anyone watching it. A concert that will be remembered for a very long time. Thank you SBYOV

Luke A Hawes
What an amazing Prom!!! The orchestra were incredible and the conductor was brilliant. I have not heard Shostakovich 10 sound anything like that!! BRILLIANT!!!

Mike Hayes
It was the most fantastic prom - energy, music feeling, fun, rhythm - just brilliant - are you publishing a recording???

Lawrence Townson
This concert was absolutley brilliant!!!Please repeat some time or make available on DVD.Certainly the orchestra should be invited back a.s.a.p! Such vitality - one of the best ever!

Moira Dawson
Best Proms night ever! Dudamel you're the best. Orchestra what great ambassadors you are for Venezuala. You've cheered us all up - what a performance - what enthusiasm. Thank you very, very much !

Stephen Goddard
Wow! That's what the proms should be - great music, great performance, and great fun. The Youth Orchestra of Venezuela are the most amazing ambassadors for their country and for music. When the beeb comes to put together it's highlights of the year - I hope this gets more than a mention.