Culture

Gustavo Dudamel’s Grand Finale: A Farewell Season to Remember

Gustavo Dudamel is preparing to close a significant chapter in his career as the artistic and musical director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Dudamel will trade the palm trees of California for the bustling streets of New York / Photo LA Phil
Dudamel will trade the palm trees of California for the bustling streets of New York / Photo LA Phil

The 2025/2026 season, will be the last Gustavo Dudamel shares as a director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

 

Dudamel will trade the palm trees of California for the bustling streets of New York.

 

His transition was announced back in February 2023, allowing for a smooth and well-planned departure. 

 

On Thursday, the Venezuelan conductor referred to it as “the culmination of a chapter, not the end of a book,”. 

 

“No challenge, no life,” he joked during an exclusive conversation with El País, where he admitted to feeling a deep sense of happiness and, above all, tranquility.

Titled Gracias Gustavo, the season will offer extraordinary events each month / Photo LA Phil
Titled Gracias Gustavo, the season will offer extraordinary events each month / Photo LA Phil

Titled Gracias Gustavo, the season will offer extraordinary events each month.

 

Among the highlights, the conductor is particularly proud of his collaboration with the legendary architect Frank Gehry.

 

Alongside filmmaker Alberto Arvelo, Dudamel will present Wagner’s Die Walküre in three separate acts.

 

“It’s going to be very special,” he shared, confident that Gehry, the designer of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, will masterfully transform the space.

Innovative collaborations and artistic tributes

Gustavo Dudamel is also enthusiastic about an upcoming project with acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu. 

 

The idea emerged after Iñárritu took him to see a massive mural depicting the history of Los Angeles on the city’s outskirts. 

 

Inspired, they decided to create something meaningful from it. The result, El Gran Muro de Los Ángeles, will premiere in March 2026.

 

Another event close to his heart is a special concert in June 2026, dedicated to celebrating the musicians of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. 

 

Some of the orchestra’s finest talents will take center stage in solo performances, marking a heartfelt tribute to their artistry.

 

Before making his move to the East Coast, Dudamel will conduct a thrilling repertoire, including Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 in October. 

Gustavo Dudamel is also enthusiastic about an upcoming project with acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu / Photo LA Phil
Gustavo Dudamel is also enthusiastic about an upcoming project with acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu / Photo LA Phil

February will bring a focus on Beethoven, featuring soprano Elena Villalón and a performance of the composer’s Missa Solemnis. 

 

For Revolución Diamantina, a piece by Mexican composer Gabriela Ortiz, he will collaborate with the Brazilian dance company Grupo Corpo and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

 

The lineup of guest artists is equally diverse, ranging from Argentina’s ska legends Los Fabulosos Cadillacs to American icon Patti Smith, who will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Horses. 

 

Also joining the season are Colombian singer Lido Pimienta and some of the most celebrated figures in classical music today, including 22-year-old Spanish violinist María Dueñas.

 

Korean violinist Clara Jumi-Kang, 21-year-old South Korean piano prodigy Yunchan Lim, world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and the celebrated French pianist sisters Katia and Marielle Labèque.

One of his proudest accomplishments is the creation of YOLA, the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, and the establishment of its headquarters in South Los Angeles / Photo LA Phil
One of his proudest accomplishments is the creation of YOLA, the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, and the establishment of its headquarters in South Los Angeles / Photo LA Phil

Reflection, legacy, and a future beyond Los Angeles

This moment is one of deep reflection for Gustavo Dudamel. Much has changed since he arrived in Los Angeles in 2009. 

 

We have built our own style, our mission. But this hasn’t been an individual effort. 

 

One of his proudest accomplishments is the creation of YOLA, the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, and the establishment of its headquarters in South Los Angeles, a building also designed by Gehry.

 

Known for his fearless artistic approach, Gustavo Dudamel refuses to slow down in this final season. “Reinvention is key.”

 

His ambition is clear and, as he describes it, “a good, healthy ambition”. But beyond personal or institutional success, he sees this drive as a gateway for classical music as a whole.

But beyond personal or institutional success, he sees this drive as a gateway for classical music as a whole / Photo LA Phil
But beyond personal or institutional success, he sees this drive as a gateway for classical music as a whole / Photo LA Phil

The role of Art in a tumultuous world

“The world is in a very challenging place right now, and we need spaces where we feel embraced—by beauty, by hope, by reflection, by contemplation.” he said.

 

He quotes the Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno: ‘The freedom that must be given to the people is culture.’

 

Also believes, perhaps paradoxically, that people can find unity through their differences. “We can accept and understand them, but we must create the space to do so,” he states firmly.

FYI about Dudamel’s legacy

  • When will Gustavo Dudamel conclude his tenure with the Los Angeles Philharmonic? He will complete his final season in the summer of 2026 before moving to New York.
  • What is the name of the special program dedicated to Dudamel’s farewell season? The program is called Gracias Gustavo.
  • Which famous architect is collaborating with Dudamel for a unique Wagner performance? Frank Gehry, the designer of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, is involved in the project.
  • What major orchestral initiative did Dudamel establish during his time in Los Angeles? He founded YOLA, the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, which provides music education to young musicians.

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