‘Welcome Gustavo!’ Dudamel Kicks Off the NY Philharmonic Season as Official Conductor, with Joaquina, Lizzo & St. Vincent as Guests

Thursday night (Sep. 10) show at the Radio City Music Hall also included Tony-Award winning actor-singer Aaron Tveit.

Gustavo Dudamel conducts his final concert in Disney Hall as LA Phil music director on Sunday, June 7, 2026 in Los Angeles , CA.

Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The New York Philharmonic has kicked off its 2026-27 season with new conductor Gustavo Dudamel. On Thursday night (Sept. 10), at the Radio City Music Hall, the acclaimed Venezuelan maestro — a known promoter of classical music as a fundamental right for all — gathered a multigenerational audience for an eclectic program that went from Gershwin to Arturo Márquez, to St. Vincent, Joaquina, Lizzo and more.

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