As a fan of classical music, Chris Martin of the rock band Coldplay has attended Los Angeles Philharmonic concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall over the years and even struck up a friendship with conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
So when NFL leaders tapped Coldplay to headline the Super Bowl 50 halftime show next month in Santa Clara, Calif., Martin turned to Dudamel to join him onstage for the annual musical spectacular seen by more than 100 million viewers around the country.
The L.A. Philharmonic announced Thursday that Dudamel would appear with student musicians from the Youth Orchestra L.A. during Super Bowl 50, set for Feb. 7 at Levi’s Stadium.
Deborah Borda, president of the L.A. Philharmonic, said students from YOLA have been rehearsing for weeks for the big show, which will air on CBS during the Carolina Panthers–Denver Broncos game.
“I’m delighted about the kind of recognition the students will be getting,” Borda said Thursday.
“I think it will benefit them incredibly — the question of music education in our social and musical structure … it’s a touchdown.”