Join us for an evening of music, film, and conversation centered on the US Premiere screening of actress-filmmaker María Valverde’s El Canto de las Manos, a documentary about the power of music to change people's lives. The 2025 film follows Jennifer, Gabriel, and José — three Deaf musicians who are members of Venezuela's Coro de Manos Blancas — as they bring Beethoven's opera Fidelio to the stage in sign language for the first time, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, a Rolex Testimonee and now the NY Phil's Tang Music & Artistic Director Designate. “Music is not only the inspiration and driving force in the lives of these brilliant Deaf artists, but also their refuge and salvation,” says Valverde. “This is a story of justice — of how art transcends the visible and transforms its protagonists into guides who illuminate a new way of experiencing music, one that comes from a deeper level of awareness; a declaration of freedom and dignity.” The evening begins with a live performance of music from Fidelio, with Dudamel conducting the Juilliard Orchestra, Juilliard vocal students, and Deaf actors engaged through Deaf West Theatre. Following the screening, actor and filmmaker Bradley Cooper moderates a discussion with Dudamel, Valverde, and Deaf West Theatre artistic director DJ Kurs. To make sure that the experience is welcoming to all, the discussion includes ASL interpretation by SignNexus, and the film is being screened with open captions in English and Spanish. Presented in partnership with Rolex and in collaboration with Lincoln Center, The Juilliard School, and DOC NYC. Enhance your experience with a VIP ticket, which offers access to the post-event reception with Gustavo Dudamel, María Valverde, and Bradley Cooper. Please fill in this form to purchase.