In March 2025, Gustavo Dudamel came to New York with a dual purpose. He conducted the New York Philharmonic, to great acclaim, and he addressed the media as well as the Orchestra鈥檚 musicians, board, and staff to share his thoughts on the cusp of becoming the Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music and Artistic Director Designate this coming September. We asked the busy maestro a few questions on his upcoming New York concerts, the season ahead, and the city that will become his musical home in 2026, when he fully arrives as Music and Artistic Director.
Why did you select the works you are conducting in David Geffen Hall this May and June?
Gustavo Dudamel: Music is about relationships鈥攈ow we come to understand one another, how we communicate and connect with those who are different from us, and how we build mutual trust and empathy over time鈥攁nd this repertoire is rooted in the idea of how relationships form, develop, and change. Stravinsky鈥檚 Symphony in Three Movements was the first work that the NY Phil ever commissioned, and it was part of a long and beautiful relationship between the composer and the Orchestra. Philip Glass is someone with whom I have had a long relationship, conducting and premiering several of his works with the LA Phil, but now I am deeply honored to bring his unique symphonic vision to the NY Phil, for the first time in its history. Kate Soper is a wonderful new voice to me, and I am grateful that the Philharmonic has chosen to honor her as one of the Kravis Emerging Composers.
And Mahler [NY Phil Music Director, 1909鈥�11], of course, is a lifelong relationship both for me and the NY Phil, someone whose music is in our bones. Mahler teaches me something new every time I open the score, and to have the privilege of conducting his music with the orchestra that he himself led is a dream for me.
The Concerts in the Parks are iconic, a moment when tens of thousands of New Yorkers from all areas and backgrounds come together to share in the beauty of their city, and enjoy the magic of hearing their orchestra鈥擜merica鈥檚 orchestra鈥攎ake magnificent music. For me, it is a chance to remind people that art has no barriers; it can transcend genre and speak across all cultures and languages.
What are your hopes for your season as Music and Artistic Director Designate?
It is the start of a beautiful journey, filled with powerful new works from some of our great contemporary voices, collaborations with dear friends, and a thoughtful exploration of America during this important [250th] anniversary. I hope that it offers the people of New York a taste of our vision for the future, and that it creates a feeling of excitement for what鈥檚 to come.
You said that music is about relationships: Would you share your thoughts about the New York Philharmonic musicians?
I feel such a deep sense of joy when I play with these musicians. We just have so much fun together, and I think that comes through in our music. Every one of the players in this orchestra has a unique artistic vision, and a singular musical talent, but when we play together it all melds into this extraordinary fusion of sound.
What are your hopes for the future of the New York Philharmonic鈥檚 connection with New York City?
I have always believed that an orchestra must be a part of the soul of the community that surrounds it. We must be a living, breathing part of this amazing city鈥攏ot just reaching out occasionally, but truly embedding ourselves in the different neighborhoods, cultures, and people that make up this magnificent melting pot. I love New York, and I cannot wait to explore it with the fantastic players of the NY Phil!
