Credit: GUSTAVO DUDAMEL Y LA FILARMÓNICA DE LOS ÁNGELES
Dudamel led the LA Phil in a performance of his favorite symphonic finales, with musicians from the YOLA program joining him for the finale of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World.” The YOLA program, founded by Dudamel in 2007, provides free, intensive music instruction to thousands of young people across the city.
The Gala drew notable celebrities and civic leaders, including Chris Martin, LL Cool J, and director Alejandro Iñárritu.
The celebratory evening continued with a post-concert dinner and party that featured a special surprise: a performance by Dudamel’s father, acclaimed Venezuelan trombonist Oscar Dudamel. Gustavo joined his father on stage, playing the violin in a deeply personal tribute to their shared musical journey.
The Gala marked a highlight of Dudamel’s final season with the LA Phil before he assumes the role of Music Director of the New York Philharmonic in 2026.
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