Dudamel, 36, one of Venezuela's best-known
celebrities, did not give a reason, but the cancellation follows
escalating criticism by the conductor of government tactics in
quelling protests.
"Heart-breaking cancellation of our 4-city NYOV US tour. My
dream to play with these wonderful young musicians cannot come
true this time," Dudamel tweeted.
"We will continue to play and to fight for a better Venezuela
and a better world," he added.
Venezuelan newspaper El Nacional reported over the weekend that
the order to cancel came from the office of the Venezuelan
presidency. There was no official confirmation of that report.
Dudamel is the artistic director of the youth orchestra, whose
180 members had been due to play four dates in the United States
in September, including the Hollywood Bowl. The fiery young
conductor is also the artistic director of the Los Angeles
Philharmonic.
Dudamel has spoken out strongly in recent months in support of
anti-government protests that have rocked Venezuela for four
months, leaving more than 120 people dead, including an
18-year-old musician from the youth orchestra.
In an op-ed in the New York Times in July, he said Venezuelans
were "desperate for the recognition of their equal and
inalienable rights and to have their basic needs met. "
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
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