Gustavo Dudamel Reflects on 17 Years with LA Philharmonic

The renowned conductor shares his love letter to the city that shaped him as an artist.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:00pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shimmering, textured curtain or stage backdrop in rich, high-contrast colors, capturing the luxurious, theatrical atmosphere of a world-class concert hall.The lavish, dramatic textures of a concert hall stage evoke the grandeur and artistry of the Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel's baton.Los Angeles Today

Gustavo Dudamel, the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, reflects on his 17-year tenure with the orchestra and the profound impact the city of Los Angeles has had on him both professionally and personally. He discusses how the energy, diversity, and community-driven spirit of LA have influenced his approach to leading the orchestra and making classical music accessible to all Angelenos.

Why it matters

Dudamel's essay provides a unique, insider's perspective on the symbiotic relationship between a world-class cultural institution and the vibrant, multifaceted city it calls home. His words shed light on how a major orchestra can meaningfully engage with and uplift the diverse communities it serves, going beyond just performing concerts in a concert hall.

The details

Dudamel reflects on his early days arriving in Los Angeles from Venezuela to lead the LA Philharmonic, and how he was immediately struck by the city's energy and commitment to making the arts accessible to all. He discusses his close friendship with architect Frank Gehry, whose design of Walt Disney Concert Hall embodied the welcoming, human-centric spirit Dudamel aimed to cultivate. Over his 17 seasons, Dudamel has worked to expand the orchestra's reach beyond the concert hall, investing in music education and building relationships that allow the Philharmonic's music to be experienced in everyday community spaces.

  • Dudamel first arrived in Los Angeles in 2009 to become the music director of the LA Philharmonic.
  • Dudamel has now led the LA Philharmonic for 17 seasons.

The players

Gustavo Dudamel

The music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2009, known for his passionate, energetic conducting style and commitment to music education and community engagement.

Frank Gehry

The renowned architect who designed the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home of the LA Philharmonic, and became a close friend of Dudamel's during his time in Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“I still remember my first days in Los Angeles. I was young, newly arrived from Venezuela, and entrusted with the enormous honor of stepping into a fresh chapter with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. I could not have known then how deeply this city would shape me, but even in those early days, I sensed something familiar in its energy—and how seriously this city takes the idea that culture belongs to every neighborhood, every family, and every young person imagining their future.”

— Gustavo Dudamel, Music Director, Los Angeles Philharmonic

“Together with the musicians of the orchestra, our education and community teams, and our partners across the city, we have worked to help more Angelenos see Walt Disney Concert Hall as their home—while bringing the orchestra's music far beyond its walls. This has meant expanding how and where we play, strengthening long-term investments in young talent, and building relationships that allow music to live beyond the stage.”

— Gustavo Dudamel, Music Director, Los Angeles Philharmonic

What’s next

Dudamel will be leaving the LA Philharmonic in 2027 to become the new music director of the New York Philharmonic, marking the end of his influential 17-year tenure in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Dudamel's essay highlights how a world-class cultural institution can deeply embed itself within the fabric of a diverse, complex city like Los Angeles, using music as a unifying force to bring together communities, nurture young talent, and make the arts accessible to all. His legacy in LA will continue to shape the city's cultural landscape for years to come.