Happy New Year from all of us at the LA Phil!
The Los Angeles Philharmonic, under the vibrant leadership of Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, presents an inspiring array of music through a commitment to foundational works and adventurous explorations. Both at home and abroad, the LA Phil—recognized as one of the world’s outstanding orchestras—is leading the way in groundbreaking and diverse programming, on stage and in the community, that reflects the orchestra’s artistry and demonstrates its vision. 2024/25 marks the orchestra’s 106th season.
Nearly 300 concerts are either performed or presented by the LA Phil at its three iconic venues. During its winter season at the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil creates festivals, artist residencies, and other thematic programs to enhance the audience’s experience of orchestral music. Since 1922, its summer home has been the world-famous Hollywood Bowl. And under the stewardship of the LA Phil since December 2019, The Ford presents an eclectic summer season of events that reflect the communities that comprise Los Angeles.
Among its wide-ranging learning initiatives is YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles). Inspired by Gustavo Dudamel’s own music education in Venezuela’s revolutionary El Sistema program, the LA Phil and its community partners provide free instruments and intensive instruction to over 1,700 students. YOLA opened its permanent, new home—the Judith and Thomas L. Beckman YOLA Center at Inglewood—in 2021, giving the organization a space where young musicians continue to thrive as vital citizens, leaders, and agents of change.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic was founded in 1919 by William Andrews Clark, Jr., a wealthy amateur musician. Walter Henry Rothwell became its first Music Director, serving until 1927, followed by 10 renowned conductors: Georg Schnéevoigt (1927–1929), Artur Rodziński (1929-1933), Otto Klemperer (1933-1939), Alfred Wallenstein (1943-1956), Eduard van Beinum (1956-1959), Zubin Mehta (1962-1978), Carlo Maria Giulini (1978-1984), André Previn (1985-1989), Esa-Pekka Salonen (1992-2009), and Gustavo Dudamel (2009-2025).
