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
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.