Gustavo Dudamel’s Farewell Season: A Celebration of Music and Legacy

Introduction: A Final Chapter in Los Angeles

Gustavo Dudamel, the beloved music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, is set to embark on his 17th and final season with the orchestra in 2025-26. This season, aptly titled “Gracias Gustavo,” promises to be a grand celebration of his extraordinary tenure, showcasing his artistic brilliance and emotional connection with the city of Los Angeles. The season will feature a series of unforgettable performances, collaborations, and tributes, all of which highlight Dudamel’s contributions to the world of classical music. From iconic works by Wagner to world premieres and international tours, this farewell season will be a testament to Dudamel’s enduring legacy and his ability to inspire audiences through music.

Wagner’s Die Walküre: A Highlight of Dudamel’s Final Season

One of the most anticipated moments of Dudamel’s final season will be his conducting of Richard Wagner’s Die Walküre, a monumental work from Wagner’s epic Ring Cycle. Dudamel will lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic and a stellar cast, including soprano Christine Goerke and bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green, in this groundbreaking production. The performances will take place over two weeks, from May 19-21 and May 22-24, 2026, with Dudamel conducting one act per performance. The scenic design for this production will be created by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, adding a visual dimension to the already powerful music. This collaboration between Dudamel and Gehry will undoubtedly create a breathtaking experience, blending music, drama, and art in a way that only these two visionaries can achieve.

A Musical Journey: Dudamel’s Final Concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall

In addition to Die Walküre, Dudamel will also lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic in two final concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall, from June 5-7, 2026. These performances will feature John Adams’ Harmonium and Antonio Estévez’s Cantata Criolla, two works that hold deep personal significance for Dudamel. By choosing these pieces, Dudamel pays homage to his Venezuelan heritage and his American identity, reflecting the cultural duality that has shaped his artistic journey. Harmonium, with its rich choral textures and vibrant orchestration, and Cantata Criolla, a celebration of Venezuelan folk traditions, will offer audiences a glimpse into Dudamel’s musical soul. These concerts will be a fitting farewell to his time at Walt Disney Concert Hall, a venue that has been a cornerstone of his career in Los Angeles.

World Premiere and New Beginnings: Ellen Reid’s Commissioned Work

The 2025-26 season will also include a world premiere of a new work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ellen Reid. Titled Untitled Work for Orchestra and Choir, this piece is a collaboration between the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the New York Philharmonic, where Dudamel will begin his tenure as music director in 2026. The premiere will take place on September 25, 2025, marking the opening of Dudamel’s final season with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. This work, co-commissioned by both orchestras, represents a bridge between Dudamel’s past and future, as he prepares to take on new challenges in New York while continuing to inspire audiences in Los Angeles. The inclusion of a choir adds a communal and celebratory aspect to the performance, reflecting Dudamel’s belief in the power of music to unite people.

An International Farewell Tour: Dudamel and the LA Phil in East Asia

As part of his final season, Dudamel will also lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic on an international tour to East Asia, visiting Seoul, South Korea; Tokyo, Japan; and Taipei, Taiwan, from October 20-30, 2025. This tour will serve as a farewell journey, showcasing the orchestra’s prowess and Dudamel’s conducting artistry to audiences abroad. The tour will feature a diverse repertoire, highlighting the orchestra’s ability to perform both classical masterpieces and contemporary works with equal elegance and precision. For Dudamel, this tour will be an opportunity to share the music that has defined his career with audiences in these vibrant cities, leaving behind a lasting impression of his artistic vision and passion.

A New Chapter: Dudamel’s Transition to the New York Philharmonic

As Dudamel prepares to conclude his tenure in Los Angeles, he will begin a new chapter as the music director of the New York Philharmonic in 2026. Before his departure, however, he will have one final opportunity to lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl during the 2026 season. This summer residency will be a chance for Dudamel to connect with a broader audience in Los Angeles, performing repertoire that has resonated with him throughout his career. The transition to New York will bring new challenges and opportunities, but Dudamel’s farewell season in Los Angeles will remain a testament to his enduring impact on the city’s cultural landscape.

In summary, Gustavo Dudamel’s final season with the Los Angeles Philharmonic promises to be a season of celebration, reflection, and new beginnings. From the epic production of Die Walküre to the world premiere of Ellen Reid’s new work, and from his final concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall to his international farewell tour, Dudamel will leave an indelible mark on the city he has called home for nearly two decades. As he prepares to embark on a new journey with the New York Philharmonic, Dudamel’s farewell season in Los Angeles will be a reminder of the transformative power of music and the legacy of a conductor who has inspired countless lives through his artistry and passion.