Star conductor Gustavo Dudamel presented a youth-oriented, pop culturally aware vision of the future to the New York Philharmonic’s spring gala Wednesday, previewing his forthcoming takeover of the symphony as its next director.

Dudamel brought the rapper Common, the former Yankee slash guitar hero Bernie Williams, and a number of student musicians to the stage as part of the Phil’s celebration of music education.

The gala was a glimpse into the Venezuelan maestro’s upcoming tenure at America’s oldest orchestra, which he will start leading in the 2026-27 season, departing his post at the Los Angeles Philharmonic after 17 seasons.

“I believe completely that the future of society begins with a young person’s education,” Dudamel told the house to applause, also calling it an “honour” to be arriving at the Phil.  

“I’m so excited for our future together,” he said.

Though he is not officially yet leading the Philharmonic, he’s been ramping up his involvement at the prestigious institution, participating in shaping its programming.

Korean soprano Hera Hyesang Park (left) performs alongside Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel (right).

Bringing the 43-year-old on board was a coup for the Phil, the symphony founded in 1842 that’s been striving to modernize its image – including by pouring $550 million into the renovation of David Geffen Hall, its home in Manhattan’s Lincoln Center.

Calling music a “fundamental human right” he emphasised “the momentous role that music can play in the lives of young people,” and even brought a number of student musicians in to play alongside the company artists.

He also invited in the conscious hip-hop star Common, who paid homage to the genre’s roots in New York before he performed songs including the Oscar-winning track Glory from the film Selma along with the orchestra.

And none other than Bernie Williams, who played center field for the New York Yankees for 16 seasons and is also an accomplished guitarist, performed a jazz composition to the delight of the crowd. 

No art ‘pedestal’

Like many classical music institutions, the New York Philharmonic for years has been trying to revamp its image that some critics have labeled too elitist and too white.

Dudamel’s time in Los Angeles saw him foster ties with Hollywood as he catapulted to celebrity himself, bringing classical music to ears perhaps unfamiliar with or intimidated by the genre.

Born January 26, 1981, in Barquisimeto, Venezuela to a trombonist and a voice teacher, Dudamel’s talent was molded by the illustrious Venezuelan musical education programme, El Sistema.

US rapper Common (centre) performs alongside Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel (right) and the New York Philharmonic.

When he moved to Los Angeles, Dudamel continued that youth education mission, creating the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, known as YOLA, in the model of El Sistema.

“We have to educate people but in the best way, not putting art on a pedestal without access,” he told journalists last year at a press conference introducing him as the New York Phil’s next music and artistic director. 

“When you give an instrument to a child, you are giving to this child beauty – you’re giving the chance to this young boy, young girl, to create their own world,” he said.

His programme Wednesday offered a confirmation of that outward, forward-looking vision, and a prioritisation of young musicians.

It’s a bid to create a “future where we all feel safe,” he said – “where we all feel heard.”