‘Músicos Si, Capitalismo No’: Students and parents protest LA Phil decision to reduce programming at East LA YOLA

This article was o riginally published by Boyle Heights Beat , a nonprofit newsroom of the L.A. Local News Initiative serving Boyle Heights and East L.A., on October 6.

East L.A.— Rocío Jimenez of East Los Angeles beamed with pride watching her 13-year-old daughter perform at one of LA’s most iconic venues, the Hollywood Bowl.

With fellow members of the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, or YOLA, she sang “Hasta la Raíz,” alongside Mexican singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade, with Gustavo Dudamel conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

“It was incredible to see this blend of cultures, classical music and Latino composers,” Jimenez said of the 2024 performance . “It’s great to see us in those spaces.” Seeing an artist like Lafourcade work with YOLA students is proof, she said