This summer, Gustavo Dudamel’s farewell to Los Angeles begins at the Hollywood Bowl. After a remarkable 17-year tenure as the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Dudamel will celebrate with a series of performances starting August 20. This special event, titled “Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl,” will feature various artists and culminate in a tribute concert.
Farewell Performances at the Bowl
Dudamel will conclude his journey with the orchestra by performing at Walt Disney Concert Hall in June. This will lead to the highly anticipated “Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl,” which is part of a larger summer lineup from the L.A. Phil. Audiences can expect a memorable four-night celebration that highlights Dudamel’s influence on the Los Angeles music scene.
Event Highlights
- Opening concert: “Beethoven 9,” featuring the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA).
- Debut of a new orchestral piece by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino with lyrics by Amanda Gorman.
- “Dudamel’s Playlist” – a variety show led by Dudamel himself.
- Collaborative concert with the Foo Fighters.
- A retrospective honoring Dudamel’s contributions to L.A. music.
In his farewell statement, Dudamel emphasized the significance of the Hollywood Bowl, describing it as central to his artistic journey. “This is where my journey began,” he remarked, highlighting the unique bond formed with the audience.
Iconic Stage Dedication and New Features
The Hollywood Bowl will also unveil the newly named John Williams Stage, celebrating the legendary composer’s long-standing relationship with the venue. This dedication coincides with a period of transition for the L.A. Philharmonic as Dudamel steps back.
Additionally, the summer programming incorporates various other events, including:
- A Broadway-themed concert benefiting YOLA.
- A Juneteenth celebration featuring Chance the Rapper.
- A hip-hop night with Nas.
- A Fourth of July concert featuring the Beach Boys and John Stamos.
Museum and Facility Updates
This summer, the Hollywood Bowl will also introduce significant updates, including a new multipurpose building and enhanced sound systems. The Hollywood Bowl Museum will unveil a revamped permanent exhibition titled “Hollywood Bowl: Soul of a City,” showcasing the venue’s rich history through various multimedia formats.
These changes aim to strengthen the Bowl’s role as a cultural hub for the community, celebrating both its history and future. Upcoming concerts will continue to draw major artists, reflecting the venue’s vibrant musical landscape.
As the summer unfolds, the legacy of Gustavo Dudamel will resonate throughout the Hollywood Bowl, marking both an end and a new beginning for the L.A. Phil.
