The air inside Walt Disney Concert Hall was filled with excitement and nostalgia as the Los Angeles Philharmonic opened its 2025–2026 season, marking the beginning of Gustavo Dudamel’s final year as Music and Artistic Director. This moment signified both an ending and a new beginning as he prepares to step into his next chapter with the New York Philharmonic in 2026.

Click below to watch our red carpet highlights from this exciting event...!

Over the past 17 years, Gustavo has become one of the most influential figures in modern classical music, reshaping what it means to experience a symphony. His approach to programming, performance, and outreach has made orchestral music feel vibrant, inclusive, and alive.

As songwriter Beck put it, “There’s a lot of great orchestras, but they really stand out. You immediately know you’re dealing with something different.” That distinction, both artistic and human, has defined his legacy with the LA Phil.

From the very beginning, Gustavo championed the idea that music should evolve with the world around it. One of his earliest initiatives, even before officially becoming Music Director, was the creation of Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, known as YOLA.

The program was built to bring access to music education for young people in underserved communities across Los Angeles, and its success has since inspired a national movement through the YOLA National Festival. YOLA is now recognized as the first and only orchestra ever to perform at the Super Bowl, a testament to the reach and relevance Gustavo has fostered.

Actress Supriya Ganesh reflected on what makes his music-making so captivating, saying, “I love classical music. I think it’s such a great way to paint a picture without words, and I love how tonight's concert will highlight some of his favorite works to conduct.” Her observation captures the heart of what makes Gustavo’s leadership so extraordinary: his ability to tell stories through sound that move beyond language and connect people through feeling.

That same spirit of inclusion was evident when he began his tenure with a free concert at the Hollywood Bowl, welcoming students from all walks of life into the world of music. Over the years, he has collaborated with artists across genres, from Billie Eilish and Bradley Cooper to Chris Martin, bridging classical and contemporary worlds in ways that invite new audiences to see the orchestra as their own.

Producer and DJ D-Nice described what many in the audience felt that night. “I really want to say how much I appreciate him and what he has done for me,” he said. “I’ve been in this industry for almost 40 years, and my goal has always been to bridge the gap between young and old.

To see a conductor who’s doing the same thing, who has as much respect for hip-hop as he does for classical music, he is one of the most important conductors we need to always celebrate. I’m so proud of him and of LA Phil for celebrating this man!”

You could tell this evening meant a great deal to Gustavo. It was moving to see so many come together to celebrate his remarkable career with the LA Phil, including musicians, collaborators, longtime supporters, and friends who have shared this journey with him. He was joined on the red carpet by his wife, María Valverde, his parents, and his extended musical family, all there to honor this milestone.

When asked what the night meant to him, Gustavo reflected with warmth and gratitude. “It’s very special,” he said. “I think it’s a wonderful and unique journey with this family, which is not at an end. Of course, it’s the end of a chapter, but it’s the beginning of a new, beautiful one. It will be a beautiful connection always, because this is a city that I love, and it’s an orchestra and a community that I love with all my heart.”

Actor and musician LL Cool J shared his admiration for Gustavo’s creativity and forward-thinking vision. When asked about his recent collaboration with Gustavo and the LA Phil at Coachella, he responded with genuine enthusiasm, saying how much he enjoyed working with the orchestra for such a groundbreaking performance. As he pointed out, seeing a full orchestra at Coachella is something you don’t see every day, and that’s exactly what made it special.

“At the end of the day, that’s what the arts are all about,” he said. “Taking risks, doing things that haven’t been done, or at least in a way that hasn’t been done before. For me, it was a no-brainer. It was a lot of fun, and the audience loved it. So tonight, I wanted to be here to support him as he goes off to do great things.”

This year’s gala, titled Gustavo’s Fiesta, celebrated his remarkable journey with a live playlist of his favorite orchestral finales by composers who have shaped his artistry. It was a night of dazzling performances, warm tributes, and heartfelt emotion, capturing the deep bond between Gustavo and the orchestra he calls family. The hall was filled with fans of the orchestra, and even Chris Martin (Coldplay) and Ana De Armas (From the World of John Wick: Ballerina) were in the audience! 

As the final notes echoed through the hall, the feeling was not one of farewell but of transformation. It was clear that while Gustavo’s baton will soon rise in another city, the music and meaning he brought to Los Angeles will continue to resonate far beyond this final season.

To discover what’s ahead for the LA Phil this season, click here for upcoming concerts and events!