Gustavo Dudamel wins the Gish Prize, a top arts honor

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel has been named the recipient of a top arts prize worth approximately $250,000 for his craft and music education advocacy.

The 37-year-old Venezuelan conductor will receive the 25th annual Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize during a ceremony Dec. 4 at New York's Lincoln Center. Architect Frank Gehry, a previous Gish Prize recipient, will be among those who speak at the ceremony.

The prize is named for the Gish sisters, who were early Hollywood stars and made large donations to benefit the arts community upon their deaths.

Dudamel says in a statement that he is humbled by the recognition, and that it makes him want to redouble his efforts to have the arts reach as many people as possible.