Breaking: Dudamel moves to New York Philharmonic

It has been announced in the last few minutes that Gustavo Dudamel will become music director of the NY Philharmonic, starting in 2026.

Dudamel, 42, will end his relationship at that time with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where he will have served for 17 years.

It’s a smart move. He will be the first Latino to lead New York and he’s young enough to make a difference – especially after the stasis of the Jaap Van Zweden years.

The LA Phil is hoping to have him back as a guest conductor ‘for years to come’.

Gustavo Dudamel said: “Today, above all, I am grateful. I am grateful to the musicians and leadership of the New York Philharmonic as we embark upon this new and beautiful journey together; to my beloved family at the Los Angeles Philharmonic and YOLA for helping me to learn and grow through countless challenges and triumphs; and to my Maestro Abreu and the musicians of Venezuela who have been there with me since the beginning. As the great poet Federico García Lorca said: ‘Every step we take on earth brings us to a new world.’ I gaze with joy and excitement at the world that lies before me in New York City, and with pride and love at the world I have shared — and will continue to share — with my dear Angelenos over the next three seasons and beyond. All of us are united in our belief that culture creates a better world,
and in our dream that music is a fundamental right. I look forward to the work ahead.”

It’s a total coup for Deborah Borda, her last executive act before stepping down as president. The bond between her and Dudamel, forged in LA, is rock-solid.

Dudamel will remain music director of the Opera de Paris and will maintain his main residence in Barcelona.
Inside track: Why it had to be Dudamel