Get a Sneak Peek at the 2026/27 LA Phil Season at Walt Disney Concert Hall
LA Phil Announces 2026/27 Season Highlights at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Los Angeles, CA — LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy has officially unveiled the orchestra’s 2026/27 season at the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. This upcoming season aims to enhance the LA Phil’s commitment to artistic excellence, innovative programming, and community engagement, placing the orchestra at the heart of these efforts.
A significant focus will be on key figures advancing these initiatives, including Esa-Pekka Salonen in his newly established role as Judith and Thomas L. Beckman Creative Director. Gustavo Dudamel is set to return to the concert hall for the first time since his tenure as Music & Artistic Director.
The 2026/27 season will also feature contributions from other notable members of the LA Phil’s artistic leadership team. John and Samantha Williams Creative Chair John Adams, Jazz Creative Chair Herbie Hancock, and Artist Collaborator Emmanuelle Haïm will present diverse programs designed to propel the organization forward.
In a reflection of the LA Phil’s legacy of innovative programming, the season will showcase 22 commissioned works from prominent contemporary composers, including Teddy Abrams, John Adams, and Sarah Davachi, among others. It will entail 15 world premieres and three U.S. premieres of commissioned pieces.
"We are delighted to unveil the artistic program for our upcoming season at Walt Disney Concert Hall — an inspired exploration that celebrates the artistry, curiosity, and collective spirit of the LA Phil musicians,” Noltemy stated. “This season stands as a testament to the remarkable depth and range of their talents and to the vital role they play in shaping the LA Phil’s future.”
Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Season Highlights
In his inaugural season, Salonen will lead monumental programs from the podium, which include both world premieres and restagings of previous collaborations. He has curated a Rituals festival that spans the season’s subscription, Green Umbrella, and Insight series. This festival will examine ritual through various lenses, incorporating new music and unique staging. Salonen will collaborate with director Peter Sellars on “One Morning Turns Into an Eternity,” which features works by Schoenberg, Webern, and Mahler.
The season will begin with Salonen conducting his revised version of "Tiu" and leading Berlioz’s "Symphonie fantastique" as well as Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G with soloist Mitsuko Uchida. Salonen will also partner with violinist Alexi Kenney for the U.S. premiere of Gabriella Smith’s concerto.
Rituals Festival Highlights
The Rituals festival, co-produced with LA Phil Insight, will explore the role of ritual in daily life through various artistic presentations. Notable performances include a restaging of “One Morning Turns Into an Eternity”with director Peter Sellars and an examination of Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” alongside works by Steve Reich.
Gustavo Dudamel’s Season Highlights
Dudamel is set to conduct three significant programs, marking his first appearance since beginning his role with the New York Philharmonic. He will collaborate with esteemed pianist Rudolf Buchbinder on a cycle of Beethoven’s piano concertos, starting with the initial three paired with the “Eroica” Symphony.
“Making music with my beloved LA Phil family will always be a joy and a privilege,” Dudamel remarked. He looks forward to the creative dialogue that has developed over the years, emphasizing the continuum between Beethoven’s works and new compositions by Zosha Di Castri.
Creative Chair John Adams Highlights
As Creative Chair, John Adams continues to shape the Green Umbrella New Music series, leading a concert in celebration of his 80th birthday. He will also conclude the LA Phil Etudes project, showcasing solo works from leading contemporary composers.
Final Remarks
The LA Phil’s forthcoming season promises an eclectic mix of performances and innovative projects, with contributions from a range of talented artists and composers. The diverse programming seeks not only to entertain but also to engage the community in a rich cultural dialogue.
