Gustavo Dudamel, music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, received musical training within the National Network of Youth and Children Orchestras of Venezuela.

"For us, the National Network of Youth and Children Orchestras of Venezuela, it is a great honour to be bestowed with the 2008 Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts. All of this is the result of the work carried out by a man of an immeasurable spirit, Jose Antonio Abreu, who made his dream come true, in which music could save lives building up the hopes of hundreds of thousands of children that now take part in this magnificent initiative. For me, a direct product of this System, it provides a great encouragement to continue performing and struggling alongside my music professor and my fellow students and in that way continuing to develop this wonderful idea which can, without a doubt, change society by bringing sensitivity, faith and hope for future generations worldwide. There are not enough words to thank our Maestro for opening up a path full of possibilities and for giving us the opportunity to celebrate life through music. Maestro, thank you for dreaming this dream and for turning it into a reality."

Gustavo Dudamel
Music Director of the Los Angles Philaharmonic