Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela

The Simón Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela heads to the Royal Festival Hall for a five-day residency in which it will "seep like a liquid through every space" (Marshall Marcus, the Southbank Centre's head of music). The residency will see 'el Sistema' engage in a series of activities including two major concerts - their first in London since the overwhelming success of their BBC Proms debut in 2007 - two pre-concert talks and two open practice sessions. Both major concerts will be led by Gustavo Dudamel, described by Sir Simon Rattle as "the most astonishingly gifted conductor I've ever come across". Such is the popularity of this inspiring Venezuelan orchestra that these concerts are already sold out - but there remains the possibility of returns. One of the two public practice sessions may be your best bet to catch some action of the Orchestra in its entirety. Failing that, there are other events featuring members or small ensembles of musicians which are well worth a detour.

Tues 14 April, 10am (free but must book): Open rehearsal (arrive 30mins in advance)
Tues 14 April, 6.15am (free): Pre-concert talk
Tues 14 April, 7.30pm (returns only): Bela Bartok, Concerto for Orchestra; Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Symphony No.4
Wed 15 April, 5.15pm (?5): El Sistema Symposium 1: Through Venezuelan Eyes
Wed 15 April, 7.30pm (?9-?26): Informal ensembles
Fri 17 April, 1.30pm (?4-?8): Family concert of popular classics
Fri 17 April, 6pm (free): Simon Bolivar brass
Fri 17 April, 9.30pm (?12): Session with Cuban violinist Omar Puente
Sat 18 April, 10am (free but must book): Open rehearsal (arrive 30mins in advance)
Sat 18 April, 6pm (free): Pre-concert talk
Sat 18 April, 7.30pm (returns only): Igor Stravinsky, The Rite of Spring; Silvestre Revueltas, Sensemaya; Evencio Castellanos, Santa Cruz de Pacairigua