Dudamel defends appearance in Venezuela on day of deadly protests

But in comments that circulated widely in social media, self-exiled Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero on Thursday posted an open letter on her Facebook page criticizing Dudamel, saying he was ignoring “the toxic oasis” in which she says El Sistema now operates. “On Feb 12, we crossed a line as a nation when a peaceful demonstration was marred by murder and the same organized thuggery that has killed so many in recent years, spurred by the government and its militias,” Montero wrote. “You have the power to make an enormous difference in the situation of our country. Please use it.” More...