<div><p>Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel has cast a spell over Tinseltown after electrifying a star-studded audience at the opening of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's new season.</p><p>The 28-year-old maestro, appointed to attract a new generation of fans to classical music performances in the city, delighted concert-goers late Thursday with a virtuoso display at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.</p><p>Dudamel, a product of Venezuela's famous "El Sistema" ("the system") which teaches poor children classical music, led the orchestra through John Adams "City Noir," a work reflecting the dark world of Los Angeles in the 1940s.</p><p>The charismatic conductor followed it up with a performance of Mahler's First Symphony, which earned a rousing ovation lasting several minutes.</p><p>Actor Andy Garcia was among the stars waxing lyrical afterwards, describing Dudamel as "absolutely 'magnifique.'"</p><p>"Both performances, the Adams and Mahler were rigorous and intense," Garcia enthused. "I can't believe that Gustavo conducted from memory."</p><p>Legendary music producer Quincy Jones was among celebrities who flocked to the concert for Thursday's gala.</p><p>"Gustavo will bring a whole new perspective to the Philharmonic," Jones said before the performance. "Diversity first -- that's a key word."</p><p>Actress Angela Bassett meanwhile said Dudamel could have the same impact on classical music as Tiger Woods had on golf.</p><p>"I think that as Tiger brought new eyes and interest to the golf world, Dudamel will do the same for the concert hall world," Bassett said.</p><p>Other stars in the audience included Oscar winners Tom Hanks and Sidney Poitier, novelist Judith Krantz, and actors Don Johnson and Rachel Griffiths.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=60787367&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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