The LA Phil’s 2024 was a banner year for the organization, defined by artistry, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to making music accessible to all.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the LA Phil brought transformative performances, educational opportunities, community programs, radio broadcasts, and digital experiences to millions of people across Southern California and beyond. From our iconic venues to global tours, each achievement of the past year has been a testament to the power of music to inspire, connect, and uplift.
We hope you enjoy reading about a handful of the LA Phil’s highlights from 2024 in the following sections. Please accept our sincere gratitude for your commitment, which both inspires and enables our efforts.
Thank you!
Innovation, Excellence, and Access on the World’s Stage
When the LA Phil travels across the world, we don’t just bring our music and musicians, we proudly demonstrate our core values of innovation, excellence, and access to the music lovers around the globe. This year, we did it on three continents.
Sold-Out Performances from New York to Bogotá: Fall Orchestra Tour
In the fall, Music & Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel led the Los Angeles Philharmonic on tour1 to New York City, where the orchestra opened Carnegie Hall’s 2024/2025 season, followed by two concerts in Bogotá, Colombia.
The world takes notice when Dudamel and the LA Phil tour—as Vulture wrote in its review of the first concert: “Every appearance feels like a portent. To engineer maximum oomph, Dudamel teamed up with Lang Lang for Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, and the sense of occasion asserted itself immediately.” In addition to Lang Lang, baritone Gustavo Castillo, who performed in Ginastera’s Estancia, also joined the LA Phil and Dudamel to open the season.
Every appearance feels like a portent. To engineer maximum oomph, Dudamel teamed up with Lang Lang for Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto, and the sense of occasion asserted itself immediately."
The next night, Alisa Weilerstein joined the LA Phil for the NY premiere of Gabriela Ortiz’s cello concerto, Dzonot2, followed by Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with María Valverde narrating in Spanish. The last of the three nights in New York brought together the orchestra, Dudamel, and Mexican singer/songwriter Natalia Lafourcade for a special evening of song.
The LA Phil took the presentations of Dzonot and A Midsummer Night’s Dream next to Teatro Mayor in Bogotá the following week. The final performance on tour featured another unforgettable program, which included Estancia, Barber’s Adagio for Strings, and Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major with soloist Sergio Tiempo.
In between these performances, nearly 50 YOLA Institute Symphony and YOLA National students joined young musicians from 10 South American countries for five days of music-making in Cajicá, Colombia. The 169 students participated in master classes and teaching sessions hosted by the LA Phil and YOLA, Orquesta Filarmonica de Bogotá, and Asociación Nacional de Música Sinfónica. The gathering culminated in a performance conducted by Dudamel at Teatro Mayor.3
Fidelio in Barcelona, Paris, and London: Spring Orchestra Tour
In the spring, the LA Phil embarked on a European tour with stops in Barcelona, Paris, and London. The centerpiece was an innovative semi-staged production of Beethoven’s Fidelio, notable for its inclusive approach tailored to both Deaf and hearing audiences, created in partnership with Deaf West Theatre.
Celebrated as an “outright breakthrough for opera” by the Los Angeles Times in 2022, the production integrated the powerful gestural poetry of sign language with Beethoven’s evocative music, offering a unique blend of auditory and visual storytelling.
This remarkable collaboration4 with Deaf West Theatre and Venezuela’s Coro de Manos Blancas (White Hands Choir) was presented first at Walt Disney Concert Hall and then overseas with our orchestra, sharing a compelling narrative of unity through expression that resonated deeply with audiences both in the U.S. and abroad.
The opera, composed as Beethoven himself grappled with deafness, emerges not just as a tale of personal and political liberation but also as a profound exploration of human communication and connection. “By the time he wrote the music for his only opera, Fidelio, in 1804, [Beethoven] was unable to hear parts of the orchestra,” noted Alberto Arvelo, the Venezuelan filmmaker who co-directed the production. Arvelo and the artistic team view Beethoven’s deafness not as a disability but as a crucial element of his artistic expression, shaping the emotional depth and structure of his work.
The LA Phil, under the baton of Dudamel and in close collaboration with DJ Kurs, Artistic Director of Deaf West Theatre, brought this layered narrative to life. The production was performed in sung German with supertitles, while simultaneously expressed in International Sign Language, increasing accessibility and engagement for audience members. “All of our productions are designed with hearing and Deaf audiences in mind so that they can both experience the show in one way,” Kurs explains, highlighting the inclusive ethos at the heart of their approach.
Kurs went on: “I’ve never heard music in my whole life, and yet I think I understand music and I think I could experience Fidelio in the same way that Beethoven did… in terms of a Deaf and a hearing person working together. One of our actors, Joshua Castille, said something beautiful: He said he felt that the hearing actor was the light and the Deaf actor was the prism, and that the voice came through the Deaf actor in that prismatic way and diffused that light.”
Noon to Midnight: A Day of Exploration
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our donors, the LA Phil presented Noon to Midnight: Field Recordings, an ambitious 12-hour festival celebrating the vibrant world of new music. With tickets priced at just $12, this event opened the doors of Walt Disney Concert Hall to music fans from across Los Angeles, offering accessible, immersive experiences that inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Ellen Reid and part of Getty’s PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative, this year’s Noon to Midnight explored the intersections of art, nature, and technology through the theme of field recordings.5 The festival highlighted music as a medium for healing, resistance, and exploration, featuring performances, installations, and interactive experiences across every corner of the Walt Disney Concert Hall campus.6 Los Angeles-based ensembles and solo artists brought visionary works to life, creating an atmosphere that was both experimental and deeply engaging.
At the heart of the festival was the world premiere of Doug Aitken’s Lightscape, an innovative multimedia artwork that includes a feature-length film, a multi-screen fine art installation, and a series of live musical performances. Accompanied by live performances from the LA Phil New Music Group and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, Lightscape featured minimalist masterpieces by Philip Glass, Meredith Monk, Steve Reich, and others, alongside original compositions.7
Beyond the physical spaces of the festival, LA Phil staff members Caila Gale and Jacob Cooper created a digital companion project, Digital Meadow. Inspired by field recordings, the project transformed Google Sheets into an interactive platform for exploring music, theory, visuals, and sounds tied to the festival’s themes. Audiences were invited to wander, wonder, and engage in a unique digital experience that expanded the boundaries of how music is shared and experienced.
Reviewers celebrated the festival’s innovative spirit. Mark Swed of the Los Angeles Times noted, “Inside various parts of Disney Hall as well as outside it, the program delivered 23 formal concerts…including many world premieres. But like nature, ‘Noon to Midnight’ defied categorization. There were improvisations, installations, adaptations and novel collaborations among musicians and artists and media, with Mother Nature ever in the picture.”
"[But] like nature, ‘Noon to Midnight’ defied categorization.
Anna Ely, writing in Flaunt, observed the festival’s deeper resonance: “Connection through art is resounding on this program. When you look closely, listen deeply, and engage mindfully, it’s also a study in transgenerational memory and placemaking.... With this program, Reid constructed a soundscape that echoes the topography and energetic force of the artists’ communities."
Through your generous support, Noon to Midnight remains a beacon of innovation and accessibility, reminding us of the power of music to connect, transform, and inspire.
Celebrating Grammy and Latin Grammy Success
2024 was a landmark year for the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, underscoring the orchestra’s reputation as a trailblazer in classical and contemporary music. These accolades highlight not only the artistry of our musicians but also the transformative impact of the LA Phil’s commitment to innovative programming and global cultural exchange.
In February, the LA Phil earned its fourth Grammy for Best Orchestral Performance with Thomas Adès’ Dante. Recorded live at Walt Disney Concert Hall in April 2022 under Dudamel’s baton, this world-premiere recording of the ballet score captured the vivid landscapes of Dante Alighieri’s La Divina Commedia (Divine Comedy).8 Dudamel reflected on the honor: “Dante’s legend is at the heart of western culture. My dear friend Thomas Adès, together with the extraordinary musicians of the LA Phil, have captured the essence of this powerful journey through the underworld.”
The orchestra’s accomplishments continued at the Latin Grammy Awards, where the LA Phil received its first-ever win in November. Fandango, featuring Arturo Márquez’s violin concerto of the same name, won Best Classical Album, with Márquez also receiving Best Classical Contemporary Composition. This recording, performed by Dudamel, violinist Anne Akiko Meyers, and the LA Phil (with baritone Gustavo Castillo on Ginastera’s Estancia, also featured on the album), is part of the Pan-American Music Initiative, which emphasizes Latin American heritage through more than 30 new commissions and creative collaborations. Premiered at the Hollywood Bowl in 2021, Fandango later captivated audiences on tour at Carnegie Hall and in Mexico City.
November brought further recognition for the LA Phil with six Grammy nominations for groundbreaking recordings of John Adams’ Girls of the Golden West and Gabriela Ortiz’s Revolución diamantina.9 These nominations spanned categories including Best Orchestral Performance, Best Opera Recording, and Best Contemporary Classical Composition, with Dmitriy Lipay honored as Producer of the Year, Classical.
These achievements serve to emphasize the LA Phil’s commitment to artistic excellence and its mission to redefine classical music for contemporary audiences.
From the Silver Screen to the Concert Hall: Celebrating the Music of Film
In the summer of 1977, a few weeks after the release of the original Star Wars, Zubin Mehta raised his baton to conduct an evening of music from the film—a controversial choice in a symphonic world that had historically eschewed movie music. Nearly 50 years later, the music of film has become a beloved part of orchestral repertoires worldwide. This past year, the LA Phil showcased the groundbreaking impact of film music, captivating audiences across its venues and celebrating its powerful storytelling legacy.
At Walt Disney Concert Hall, the John Williams Spotlight series illuminated the vast range of cinematic music. February’s “A Century of Film Music” traced the evolution of Hollywood scores from Vertigo and The Godfather to Indiana Jones and Batman, while May’s “Dudamel Conducts Harry Potter” enchanted families with Williams’ magical themes. In October, “An Evening of Film & Music: From Mexico to Hollywood” juxtaposed the lush scores of Mexican cinema’s Golden Age with Hollywood classics like Casablanca, masterfully conducted by Dudamel.
The Hollywood Bowl brought cinematic magic to life under the stars. The annual Maestro of the Movies series featured three nights of Williams’ unforgettable scores, from Star Wars to Superman. “Marvel Studios’ Infinity Saga Concert Experience” combined iconic superhero themes with dazzling visual effects, while Singin’ in the Rain and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music united audiences in sing-alongs of timeless favorites. The Bowl also welcomed “Barbie The Movie: In Concert,” celebrating Greta Gerwig’s vibrant cinematic world with Macy Schmidt and the Barbie Land™ Sinfonietta.
Meanwhile, The Ford presented screenings of classics and contemporary favorites including The Shining, Young Frankenstein, and three of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films as part of The Natural World of Studio Ghibli. Joe Hisaishi—renowned composer of nearly all of Miyazaki’s films—took the stage at Walt Disney Concert Hall in November to conduct the world premiere of his Harp Concerto and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Hisaishi’s performance blended classical, minimalist, and New Age influences, showcasing his signature sound that’s both emotionally profound and universally resonant.
The year’s film music programming demonstrated the genre’s remarkable ability to connect generations and evoke enduring emotions. By presenting these unforgettable scores in new and innovative ways, the LA Phil affirmed that the music of the movies is as much a part of the concert hall as the silver screen.
Hollywood Bowl and The Ford: Making Music Accessible for All
The LA Phil’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity shone brightly throughout the 2024 seasons at the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford. These iconic venues not only celebrated diverse artistry but also ensured that more people than ever had access to the transformative power of live music.
At the Hollywood Bowl, nearly 1.4 million visitors attended 121 concerts, making this season one of the highest-attended in the venue’s history. Thousands of tickets to classical and jazz performances were available for just $1, ensuring that cost was no barrier to experiencing world-class music. From the debuts of Laufey, Mitski, and six-time Latin Grammy-winner Camilo to unforgettable performances by Beck, Herbie Hancock, and Chaka Khan, the Bowl welcomed an extraordinary range of artists.
Sustainability and accessibility went hand in hand, with a record 36% increase in bus ridership clearing Highland Avenue of more than 115,000 cars. This made the Bowl more accessible to audiences while reducing traffic and environmental impact—a win for both music lovers and the surrounding community.
Across the Cahuenga Pass, The Ford championed local artistry and inclusivity. Through programs like FordLab, the venue provided artists with resources, rehearsal space, and performance opportunities, fostering innovation and collaboration. This year’s lineup included dynamic performances such as Dilla Jazz, Boleros De Noche, and 100 Años de Libertad, each showcasing Los Angeles’ vibrant cultural tapestry.
The Ford also took steps to ensure a welcoming environment for all. Pursuing KultureCity Sensory Inclusive™ certification, the venue introduced Quiet Areas, Sensory Bags, and online resources to accommodate patrons with sensory needs. This initiative underscores The Ford’s mission to reflect and serve the diverse communities of Los Angeles.
Together, the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford demonstrated the LA Phil’s dedication to making music and culture accessible, whether through affordable tickets, reduced traffic, or opportunities for local artists to shine. These efforts ensured that music truly belonged to everyone, enriching lives across the city and beyond.
YOLA: Transforming Lives Through Music
In its extraordinary 17th year, the LA Phil’s YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) program continued to make a profound impact in 2024, offering young people access to high-quality music education while fostering artistic growth, collaboration, and community. Since its founding, YOLA has grown into a beacon of opportunity, serving more than 1,700 musicians locally and nationally.
This year’s graduating class of 46 students exemplifies YOLA’s transformative power: 100% of the class plans to attend college, with 63% becoming the first in their families to do so. Nearly three-quarters will enter four-year institutions, and 40% of these young musicians will pursue music as a major or minor—a remarkable 20% increase from last year. The YOLA Institute, which provides specialized artistic development, played a pivotal role in preparing 28 graduates for careers in music and beyond.
A Summer of Unforgettable Performances
The Hollywood Bowl served as a stage for three incredible YOLA performances this summer, demonstrating the program’s commitment to fostering the next generation of artists. First, YOLA musicians helped launch our summer season, performing alongside Cynthia Erivo for a momentous Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl: Henry Mancini 100th Celebration. Later in August, YOLA Alumni musicians shared the stage with Khruangbin in a vibrant fusion of orchestral and genre-defying sounds. Later, they joined Gustavo Dudamel and Natalia Lafourcade for a breathtaking celebration of Los Angeles’ cultural diversity. These performances were more than concerts—they were a testament to the power of music to unite and inspire across generations.
YOLA National Festival and Citizens of the World Festival
This summer also saw the YOLA National Festival10 and Citizens of the World Festival, where 350 young musicians from the U.S. and Venezuela convened for 10 days of learning and collaboration. Thanks to the generosity of donors, all travel, lodging, and programming were provided free of charge. The festivals featured cross-cultural exchanges between YOLA musicians and the National Children's Symphony of Venezuela, creating lasting connections and showcasing the shared language of music.
At Walt Disney Concert Hall, these efforts culminated in two awe-inspiring performances conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, Kalena Bovell, and José Ángel Salazar Marín. The repertoire ranged from Nkeiru Okoye’s Voices Shouting Out to Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony, offering audiences a rich tapestry of musical traditions. The concerts highlighted not only the talent of these young musicians but also the collaborative spirit and boundless potential that YOLA embodies.
Highlights from YOLA National Festival 2024
Looking Ahead
YOLA’s extraordinary impact has been celebrated by audiences and critics alike, with the Los Angeles Times describing musicians at this year’s YOLA National and Citizens of the World festivals as a “stupefyingly great orchestra of young musicians...that need to be seen and heard to be believed.” These words capture the heart of YOLA’s mission: to create opportunities, build connections, and inspire the next generation of artists and leaders.
Thanks to the support of donors like you, YOLA remains a shining example of what’s possible when young people are given the tools to succeed. As we look to the future, we are filled with excitement and hope for the journey that lies ahead for these exceptional musicians.
Composer Fellowship Program: Honoring Creativity and a Legacy of Kindness
In 2024, the LA Phil’s Composer Fellowship Program (CFP) continued its mission to nurture the next generation of composers, offering young musicians unparalleled opportunities to grow as artists and individuals. Designed by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Steven Stucky, this tuition-free program provides Fellows with master classes, mentorship, and the chance to hear their works performed by world-class ensembles.
This year, Fellows engaged with a stellar roster of visiting composers, including Saad Haddad (a CFP alumnus), Nico Muhly, Veronika Krausas, and Matt McBane, as well as LA Phil harpist Emmanuel Ceysson and bass guitarist Victor Wooten. From learning how to write for specialized instruments to refining their compositions in professional-quality recording sessions, Fellows gained invaluable insights into the art and craft of music-making. These experiences, made possible by generous donor support, prepare participants not only for college—like our alumni excelling at Brown University, UCLA, and other institutions—but also for careers in music.
Remembering Sarah Gibson
This year also brought a profound loss to the CFP community with the passing of Sarah Gibson, who served as the program’s assistant director for a decade. Sarah was more than a teacher—she was the heart and soul of CFP. Known for her nurturing kindness, joyful creativity, and deep empathy, Sarah touched the lives of every young composer who passed through the program.
Sarah’s legacy extends far beyond CFP. An accomplished pianist and composer, her works were celebrated for their grace, invention, and lyricism. Her unfinished piece beyond the beyond will be completed by her musical partner, CFP faculty member Thomas Kotcheff, and is scheduled for a world premiere at the BBC Proms as a testament to her extraordinary talent and ongoing contributions to the field of music.
Andrew Norman, CFP Director, shared: “Sarah set a tone of joyful discovery and empathetic kindness for all of us. She impacted so many young composers in their personal journeys, and she will be missed more than words can say.”
A Guiding Light
Despite the deep loss, CFP remains a thriving incubator for talent. This year’s cohort of Fellows included 11 graduates, all of whom are pursuing music majors at colleges this fall. Collaborations with ensembles like the Southeast Symphony enriched their learning environment, as did opportunities to interact with Dudamel Fellow Carlos Ágreda and a diverse slate of guest artists.
The LA Phil remains committed to carrying forward Sarah’s legacy by continuing to offer this life-changing program to young composers. Her spirit of discovery, kindness, and dedication will forever be a guiding light for CFP.
Welcoming Kim Noltemy: A Visionary Leader for the LA Phil
In July 2024, the Los Angeles Philharmonic welcomed Kim Noltemy as its new President & CEO, marking the start of an exciting chapter for one of the world’s most dynamic orchestras. Stepping into the David C. Bohnett Presidential Chair, Noltemy brings more than 25 years of leadership in American symphony orchestras, a legacy of innovation, and a steadfast commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Previously the President and CEO of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Noltemy was instrumental in transforming the organization. She led initiatives that expanded programming and education while amplifying opportunities for women and BIPOC musicians. Under her leadership, the DSO launched the Young Musicians program, providing free instruments and lessons to 1,800 students in Southern Dallas, and strengthened its digital presence to broaden audience reach.
Noltemy’s impact was equally profound during her 21-year tenure at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, where she oversaw iconic brands like Tanglewood and the Boston Pops while driving earned revenue to record heights. These achievements exemplify her belief that orchestras are not just cultural institutions, but vehicles for community connection and social impact
We must continue to push boundaries, expand opportunities for young people, and ensure the arts remain a cornerstone of education and community life."
A Vision for the Future
Noltemy’s arrival comes at a pivotal time for the LA Phil, as it continues to expand its influence in Los Angeles and beyond. Her vision builds on the orchestra’s rich tradition of innovation, emphasizing the importance of fostering music education through programs like YOLA. “We must continue to push boundaries, expand opportunities for young people, and ensure the arts remain a cornerstone of education and community life,” Noltemy shared.
In her first months, Noltemy embraced Los Angeles’ vibrant cultural community with enthusiasm. “This city’s innovation and passion for the arts are palpable,” she remarked. “The LA Phil is poised to lead this community and the world in reimagining what an orchestra can be.”
As she takes the helm, Noltemy honors the work of her predecessors while looking boldly toward the future. “The potential for the Los Angeles Philharmonic to grow, thrive, and change how people think about music is enormous,” she said. With her leadership, the LA Phil is set to continue its legacy as a global cultural trailblazer, connecting communities through the transformative power of music.
We are thrilled to have Kim Noltemy leading the LA Phil into this exciting new era.
As we close the chapter to a musical 2024, we are already looking ahead to spectacular programs throughout 2025.
We cannot wait to see you at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, at a YOLA site, or on tour in the year ahead.
From all of us at the LA Phil: Thank you.
1) LA Phil Tours are generously supported by the Michele and Dudley Rauch Tour Fund and the Karl Loring Fund.
2) The world premiere of Dzonot at Walt Disney Concert Hall was generously supported by the MaddocksBrown Fund for New Music.
3) Support for YOLA on tour was generously provided by The Rafael and Luisa de Marchena-Huyke Foundation.
4) May 2024 performances of Fidelio at Walt Disney Concert Hall were generously supported by the Lloyd E. Rigler – Lawrence E. Deutsch Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.
5) This year’s Noon to Midnight festival also received generous support from the Contemporary Initiatives Fund. Commissioning support for the festival was generously provided in part by the Hillenburg Family.
6) In addition to performances, LA Phil Insight, generously supported by Linda and David Shaheen, brought installations, interactive dialogues, and audio programs to Noon to Midnight.
7) Lightscape is a multi-disciplinary collaboration between Doug Aitken, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The project is generously supported by the Marciano Art Foundation, Birdrib Productions, Maria Seferian, the David C. Bohnett President's Discovery & Innovation Fund, the Susan Erburu Reardon and George Reardon Commissioning Fund, the Joan and Jeff Beal Artistic Innovation Fund, and the Hillenburg Family. Additional support is provided by the Arison Arts Foundation; Joni* and Miles Benickes; Peter and Elizabeth Goulds, L.A. Louver; and Ron and Pamela Mass.
*In memoriam
8) Dante is a co-commission of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and The Royal Ballet with generous support from the Lenore S. and Bernard A. Greenberg Fund. Its recording was also supported by the Lenore S. and Bernard A. Greenberg Fund.
9) The recording of John Adams’ Girls of the Golden West was generously supported by the Lenore S. and Bernard A. Greenberg Fund. Gabriela Ortiz’s score Revolución diamantina was commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic with the generous support of the Lenore S. and Bernard A. Greenberg Fund.
10) Special support for this year’s YOLA National Festival was provided by Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, The Eisner Foundation, and an anonymous donor. Additional support was provided by Anonymous (2), Michael and Lori Milken Family Foundation, Austin and Lauren Fite Foundation, Richard and Diane Schirtzer, and The Honorable Bob Bowers and Mrs. Reveta Bowers.