The Los Angeles Philharmonic is preparing for a transition as Gustavo Dudamel, its music and artistic director since 2009, prepares to accept the helm of the New York Philharmonic later this year. While Dudamel will be departing, he will return to lead three programs at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in December 2026 and May 2027.
A Season of Transition and New Directions
As Dudamel prepares to move to New York City, the L.A. Phil is too welcoming back Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dudamel’s predecessor, who will serve as the orchestra’s new Judith and Thomas L. Beckman creative director. Dudamel will conduct Beethoven’s “Eroica” and three successive piano concertos with pianist Rudolf Buchbinder in December, followed by Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Piano Concerto No. 4. He will return in May to conduct works by Prokofiev and Stravinsky, alongside a new commission by Zosha Di Castri. LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy stated the organization is “thrilled to reaffirm the enduring bond between Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Phil and our city.”
The 2026–27 season at the Walt Disney Concert Hall will also feature a “Rituals” festival curated by Salonen, exploring the role of ritual through both new and classic works, including Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. The season will include 22 commissioned works from composers like Hildur Guðnadóttir and Tom Jenkinson (a.k.a. Squarepusher).
The lineup extends beyond classical music, featuring performances by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Andrew Bird, Lila Downs, the Mountain Goats, Kamasi Washington, Herbie Hancock, and Bernadette Peters. Holiday concerts will include live scores for Home Alone and Elf, as well as a Halloween performance of Dr. Jekyll, and Mr. Hyde with live organ accompaniment. The L.A. Phil will also collaborate with DATALAND, Refik Anadol’s upcoming museum of AI arts.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will tickets for the 2026-27 season go on sale?
Tickets for the concerts will go on sale at 10am on Tuesday, August 11. “Create Your Own” packages will be available earlier, beginning April 30.
Who is Esa-Pekka Salonen?
Esa-Pekka Salonen is Dudamel’s predecessor and current conductor laureate, and will be stepping into the role of the L.A. Phil’s new Judith and Thomas L. Beckman creative director.
What is the “Rituals” festival?
The “Rituals” festival, curated by Esa-Pekka Salonen, will examine the role of ritual in everyday life through new commissions and classic works, like Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.
As the Los Angeles Philharmonic prepares for this new chapter, will the orchestra be able to maintain its momentum and continue to attract audiences with its diverse and innovative programming?
