The New York Philharmonic has announced that Gustavo Dudamel will join as its Music and Artistic Director for five seasons, beginning in 2026.

Becoming its first ever Latino director, the Venezuelan maestro will serve as music director designate for 2025-26 during his last season as the Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic – a position he has occupied for 17 years, having signed on at the age of 27.

Gustavo Dudamel conducts the New York Philharmonic with Michelle DeYoung and Andrew Staples as soloists at David Geffen Hall, 1/23/2020, photo by Chris Lee

Dudamel conducts the New York Philharmonic. Photo © Chris Lee

“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,” said Dudamel, quoting poet Federico García...