LA Phil plots creative shakeup
The Los Angeles Philharmonic just unveiled its 2026–27 season, naming Esa‑Pekka Salonen as creative director and confirming Gustavo Dudamel will return as a guest conductor — a notable leadership and programming pivot for a major U.S. orchestra. The season announcement signals big, bold programming ahead at Walt Disney Concert Hall. ( )
Salonen will curate a season‑long “Rituals” festival that anchors the LA Phil’s 2026–27 programming. (laphil.com) He is slated to conduct and curate approximately six weeks of concerts with an emphasis on multidisciplinary projects and festival-style programming. (sfcv.org) The season commissions 22 new works by composers including Teddy Abrams, John Adams, Zosha Di Castri, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Tom Jenkinson (Squarepusher) and Jlin. (laphil.com) Of those commissions, the LA Phil lists 15 world premieres and three U.S. premieres on the 2026–27 slate. (laphil.com) Gustavo Dudamel is scheduled to lead three programs that range from Beethoven and Prokofiev to contemporary pieces by Zosha Di Castri and Stravinsky — his first appearances with the orchestra since leaving the music‑director post. (laphil.com (gustavodudamel.com)) The season foregrounds minimalism and living composers with programs honoring Steve Reich at 90, Philip Glass, John Adams at 80, plus works by Julius Eastman, Henryk Górecki, Arvo Pärt and Meredith Monk. (laphil.com) Baroque specialist Emmanuelle Haïm continues a three‑year residency leading two Handel and Vivaldi programs, and the season features guest artists from Herbie Hancock to Emanuel Ax, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, Hilary Hahn and Kamasi Washington. (laphil.com) Single‑show ticket sales via the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, and the season package continues the orchestra’s community initiatives including neighborhood concerts and education programs. (laphil.com (thedowneypatriot.com))
