LOS ANGELES — Gustavo Dudamel, the legendary conductor and music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has announced that he will leave the L.A. Phil for the New York Philharmonic at the conclusion of his contract in 2026.
The unexpected news comes shortly after the Venezuelan-born conductor celebrated his 42nd birthday in Paris, where he currently serves as musical director of the Paris Opera.
In a phone call, Dudamel told The Times’ classical music critic, Mark Swed, that the decision was extremely complex and difficult, and that his heart remains here in Los Angeles. He said that he’s not leaving tomorrow, and with three seasons remaining at the L.A. Phil, his focus will remain here.
