The combination of one of my favorite pieces and the SFS debut of the world’s most celebrated young conductor was an occasion not to be missed.   Friday night I was thrilled to be front and center at Davies for Stravinsky’s The Firebird led by Venezuelan conducting sensation, Gustavo Dudamel.  So after all the hype, was he the real thing or did the emperor have no clothes? First of all, Firebird was the perfect vehicle for Dudamel as he guided the SFS through the mysterious slow passages and the dramatic big statements. This is a piece that really shows off almost all the principals of the orchestra.  And they shone!  Bill Bennett haunting on his oboe, Tim Day going to town on flute, Stephen Paulson on the bassoon and Dave Herbert brilliant as always on timpani. Alexander Barantschik’s solo violin was key.  And Dudamel is fun to watch as he conducts.  His curly mop of hair reminiscent of a brunette Harpo Marx,  bouncing in time with the music.  Based solely on the reaction of the SFS musicians after the performance, Dudamel’s a keeper.  The players have a tradition of tapping their bows against their music stands and stomping their feet for the guest artists they really like and the musicians were going crazy on Friday night.  It’s difficult to believe this guy is only 27!  Can’t wait for his return to San Francisco.