Gustavo Dudamel will depart the L.A. Phil for N.Y. Philharmonic

Gustavo Dudamel, the celebrated conductor and music and inventive director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has introduced that he’ll depart the L.A. Phil for the New York Philharmonic on the conclusion of his contract in 2026.

The surprising information got here shortly after the Venezuelan-born conductor celebrated his forty second birthday in Paris, the place he at present serves as musical director of the Paris Opera.

In a cellphone name, Dudamel informed The Times that the choice was extraordinarily advanced and tough, and that his coronary heart is in Los Angeles. He stated that he’s not leaving tomorrow, and with three seasons left on the L.A. Phil, his focus will stay right here.

In 2026 Dudamel could have been the L.A. Phil’s music director for 17 years. He was first appointed in 2009. Dudamel informed The Times that he’ll flip 45 in 2026 and that he believes it is going to be a second for a brand new problem.

The New York Philharmonic “is a very different animal, a different situation, and the challenge is very interesting,” Dudamel stated, including that though the transfer will make his life simpler by way of his proximity to Paris and his second residence in Madrid, that’s not why he’s looking for this modification.

Dudamel stated it was his intention to interrupt the information to the orchestra Tuesday throughout an early afternoon assembly — that he needed to inform the musicians personally as a result of they’re his household.

He added that his relationship with the L.A. Phil will proceed and that he plans to return usually.

Dudamel’s transfer shouldn’t be solely a loss for the orchestra, considered an important within the United States, but in addition for town of Los Angeles. The famous person turned an emblem of the Latino neighborhood’s energy and prominence, and he has been pivotal to Los Angeles’ rise as a cultural capital. Additionally, his in depth work with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles’ applications have been a game-changing power for younger conductors within the area.

In an announcement shared with The Times, Los Angeles Philharmonic Chief Executive Chad Smith stated: “The Los Angeles Philharmonic congratulates Gustavo Dudamel on his appointment as Music & Artistic Director of the New York Philharmonic starting in the 2026/27 season, and the beginning of a remarkable new chapter for Gustavo and his family. We are excited to continue working with Gustavo through our 2025/26 season, which will mark his 17th year with the LA Phil, and we will look forward to welcoming him back as a guest conductor for years to come.”

“From our earliest days, the LA Phil has been a trailblazer, boldly embracing the new, welcoming the world’s greatest artists to our stages and redefining the role of an orchestra in our community,” Smith added. “The search for our next Music Director will be conducted with this same spirit as we define the future of our organization.”

Deborah Borda, the present president and CEO of the New York Philharmonic, assumed that function after serving for 17 years on the L.A. Phil — together with the start of Dudamel’s relationship with the group.

Dudamel stated in an announcement: “My time with the LA Phil has been, and will continue to be, the most transformative period of my life. I have learned so much, grown so much, and together we have created something truly unique and beautiful — not only with this incredible orchestra, but in the community that we have built around ourselves, from Walt Disney Concert Hall to the Hollywood Bowl, to The Ford, and beyond.

“We have groundbreaking projects planned for the seasons ahead, including the inaugural California Festival this Fall, and more that will be announced soon,” the assertion continued. “I will always remain involved in YOLA, even as new people bring new vision and inspiration, and with our new Beckmen YOLA Center, we have ensured that the future generations will keep expanding that community far beyond our wildest dreams. Change always comes with a sense of loss, but I feel that we have only to gain in the years ahead, and it is my hope and my wish that I can continue to play a part in this amazing institution.”