Culture

LA Phil Makes History at Coachella in a Genre-Bending Farewell Led by Dudamel

Gustavo Dudamel’s swan song with the LA Phil before his transition to the New York Philharmonic next year is nothing short of legendary.

Por: Rubén Carrillo April 16, 2025

Gustavo Dudamel brought the LA Phil to the Coachella Valley for a groundbreaking, once-in-a-generation collaboration / Photo Coachella

For his final act at the helm of Los Angeles’ premier orchestra, Gustavo Dudamel brought the LA Phil to the Coachella Valley for a groundbreaking, once-in-a-generation collaboration that fused the world of classical music with the pulsating energy of pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.

A Dream Years in the Making

Though the idea had been alive in Dudamel’s heart since the early years of his 17-year tenure, it wasn’t until recently that talks between the LA Phil and Coachella producers began to materialize.

“This was something I’ve dreamed about for many years,” Dudamel shared. “Being part of a cultural moment like Coachella was always the vision.”

The Hollywood Bowl, where the LA Phil often rehearses, has served as a playground for genre-crossing collaborations before.

Yet this new Coachella stage gave Dudamel and his orchestra a bold new canvas—one with a built-in audience hungry for innovation.

Music Without Boundaries

For the first Coachella weekend, fans witnessed an unexpected mix: LL Cool J teaming up with the LA Phil for a medley that sampled Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Stravinsky’s “Firebird.”

The result was a seamless fusion of orchestral power and old-school hip-hop swagger—something no one had ever seen or heard before.

“He’s been invited to Coachella since the beginning, and this is his first time ever attending, let alone performing,” said Joanna Rees, Vice President of Programming at the orchestra.

The collaboration was born from a vibrant virtual brainstorming session between LL Cool J, Dudamel, and producer Todd.

Megan Umber, Chief Programming Officer at LA Phil, emphasized how LL Cool J’s performance was not just novel, but historically significant.

From Classical Roots to Festival Rhythms

The set didn’t just rely on guest stars—Becky G and Zedd added modern flavor to the show—but also honored classical traditions.

Dudamel led an excerpt from Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” (in the Max Richter reimagining) and even Strauss’ “Also sprach Zarathustra”, famously used in Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.

These pieces blended seamlessly with modern arrangements, creating a rich sonic tapestry that transcended genre.

Despite their Coachella detour, the LA Phil remains anchored in its core mission.

While the desert echoed with the sounds of LL Cool J’s “Rock the Bells” wrapped in symphonic elegance, the orchestra continued its regular spring schedule at Walt Disney Concert Hall downtown, where Vivaldi’s original “Four Seasons” is currently being performed in its full baroque splendor.

A New Era Begins

Dudamel’s departure marks the end of an era, but this Coachella set felt like both a grand finale and a forward-looking promise.

It highlighted the limitless potential of classical music when paired with innovation and open-minded collaboration.

Questions & Answers

1. Who led the LA Phil at Coachella and why was it special? Gustavo Dudamel conducted the orchestra in what served as his final major performance with LA Phil before joining the NY Philharmonic.
2. Which iconic hip-hop artist collaborated with the LA Phil at Coachella? LL Cool J performed a medley that incorporated Beethoven and Stravinsky with orchestral backing.
3. Did the LA Phil maintain its classical roots during the show? Yes, they included works like Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and Strauss’ “Also sprach Zarathustra”.
4. Will the LA Phil continue its regular season performances? Yes, they are concurrently running their spring season at Walt Disney Concert Hall.