First Latino conductor to lead the New York Philharmonic says ‘dreams can always be achieved’
- Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel is set to become the first Latino to lead America’s oldest orchestra, where he will succeed Jaap van Zweden
- His contract with the Los Angeles Philharmonic runs through 2025-26, and he will depart that post after 17 seasons
.png?itok=arIb17P0)
Conductor Gustavo Dudamel is set to become the first Latino to lead America’s oldest orchestra, and this week vowed that “New York will become my city too”.
The Venezuelan maestro, who is ending his lengthy tenure with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to take on the coveted New York role, said the “special, energetic, cultural vibe” of his next home “can enrich my soul, my spirit – as an artist and as a citizen of the world”.
The 42-year-old was speaking at a press conference introducing him as the New York Phil’s next music and artistic director, where he will succeed Jaap van Zweden, who is also music director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic.
Dudamel is also the music director of the Opera National de Paris, and the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra in his native Venezuela.
In the Big Apple, Dudamel will take on the role of music director designate in the 2025-26 season before adopting the lead role in season 2026-27.
His Los Angeles contract runs through 2025-26, and he will depart that post after 17 seasons.
Late Chinese collector’s rare 1731 violin set to cause a stir at auction
The venue’s facelift was a major selling point in convincing Dudamel to sign a contract with the New York Phil, and includes 360-degree seating around the stage for a more immersive experience for both viewers and musicians.
“We have to remember that music is about energy, and the audience makes a big difference when we are on the stage making music,” Dudamel said.
The curly haired conductor made his debut at the New York Phil in 2007, and has already guest-conducted the orchestra 26 times.
He will offer a preview of his forthcoming reign by leading three performances from May 19-21 of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9.
“I think when I come now in May, it will feel like family,” Dudamel said. “It’s not any more the feeling of a guest person that comes and goes.
“Life has been very generous to me.”
Born January 26, 1981 in Barquisimeto, Venezuela to a trombonist and a voice teacher, Dudamel’s talent was moulded by the illustrious Venezuelan musical education programme, El Sistema.
When he moved to Los Angeles, Dudamel continued that youth education mission, creating the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, known as YOLA, in the model of El Sistema.
While he didn’t promise a forthcoming YONY, “what we can think about now is how to build something that is connected with the young generation, and of course especially with the community”, Dudamel said.
“For sure we will have education as part of our journey.”
You have to work hard, with a lot of discipline, a lot of love for what you do – but you can achieve it
Dudamel’s time in Los Angeles saw him foster ties with Hollywood as he catapulted to celebrity himself, bringing classical music to ears perhaps unfamiliar with, or intimidated by, the genre.
“We have to educate people but in the best way, not putting art on a pedestal without access,” he said. “When you give an instrument to a child, you are giving to this child beauty – you’re giving the chance to this young boy, young girl, to create their own world.
“There are no limits in the way of thinking of music as a very powerful tool for social transformation.”
Asked what his myriad accomplishments meant as the first Latino to lead the New York Phil, Dudamel replied in Spanish that “this is what getting here is all about, it is that child from Barquisimeto who has had the opportunity to have this wonderful journey, all the way to one of the most emblematic artistic institutions in the world”.
“So that fills me with pride. And that it is a benchmark for girls, boys, young people, to have that certainty that dreams can always be achieved,” he continued.
“You have to work hard, with a lot of discipline, a lot of love for what you do – but you can achieve it.”
