The world of classical music is undergoing exciting changes in terms of orchestral directorship. 

Recently, internationally famed conductor Gustavo Dudamel announced that he will be leaving the Los Angeles Philharmonic to join the New York Philharmonic as its new music and artistic director. 

The 42-year old will take his new position beginning in the 2026-2027 season, following his 15 years with the LA Phil. While he will stay with the group until 2024, from the 2025-2026 season, he will act as the New York Phil’s music director designate with his contract lasting for five years. 

As music director of the LA Phil, he has been hailed as the city’s high-culture heroes and simultaneously serves as music director of the Paris Opera since 2021 and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela since 1999. 

The New York Philharmonic is a symphony orchestra based in New York City and is one of the leading American orchestras based in New York’s Lincoln Center. Its 181 year history began with the first concert on December 7, 1842 featuring Beethoven’s iconic Symphony No. 5. With its illustrious history as both a medium for international soft diplomacy and missions as cultural ambassadors, the ensemble has provided the world with harmonies for a very long time. 

Although currently headed by Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden, notable past conductors were Kurt Masur, Lorin Maazel, Alan Gilbert, Zubin Mehta, and the beloved Leonard Bernstein. 

To learn more about this exciting announcement or interested in any upcoming performances, make sure to visit their website.