Alberto Ginastera

Gustavo Dudamel has been called "the Obama of classical music." Hear the charismatic 28-year-old conductor from Venezuela officially take over the Los Angeles Philharmonic with a gala opening concert that includes a new piece by John Adams, as well as Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 1.

Pianist Michelle Cann, 18, was born into a musical family. Her dad conducts a school band, chorus, bell choir and steel-drum band, and her sister is a concert pianist. Although she grew up immersed in a musical environment, she didn't actually start loving music until around 12. She performs Alberto Ginastera's Piano Sonata No.1, Op.22, 4th mvt.

Zhengzhe Liu's remarkable focus and discipline help him stay on top of his rigorous piano practice. The 15-year-old works as hard on his schoolwork as he does on his music. "I put my education above all else," he says. Despite his obvious skills as a pianist, Zhengzhe doesn't plan to pursue a music career in music. He hopes to become a surgeon. He performs Alberto Ginastera's Danzas Argentinas, 3rd mvt.

In a musical world where her instrument is often eclipsed by the higher-profile violin, Kim Kashkashian stands out as one of the world's few violists with an solo career. Her new album of songs from Spain and Argentina, arranged and performed with pianist Robert Levin, underscores the richness of the viola's vocal qualities.