New York Philharmonic is getting a new music and artistic director: celebrity conductor Gustavo Dudamel, current leader of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Dudamel's tenure with the Lincoln Center-housed group will begin with the 2026-2027 season, with Dudamel succeeding current music director Jaap van Zweden.

“Today, above all, I am grateful," says Dudamel in a statement. "I am grateful to the musicians and leadership of the New York Philharmonic as we embark upon this new and beautiful journey together. As the great poet Federico García Lorca said: ‘Every step we take on earth brings us to a new world.’ I gaze with joy and excitement at the world that lies before me in New York City.”

Dudamel has previously led the orchestra while guest conducting 26 concerts. He made his NY Phil debut in 2007 at just 26 years old, one year older than fellow wunderkind Leonard Bernstein's own NY Phil debut decades earlier. He also conducted the ensemble during their recording sessions for the 2021 film adaptation of Bernstein's West Side Story. Dudamel will reunite with the Phil to lead performances of Mahler's Symphony No. 9 May 19-21.

“Each time he takes the podium we feel an extraordinary connection with him," says principal trumpet player Christopher Martin. "This moment aligns with the unparalleled artistic tradition of this nation’s oldest orchestra. We look forward to sharing our deepening musical relationship with audiences both in our revitalized David Geffen Hall and on tour around the world."