In Gustavo Dudamel’s 17 years as Music & Artistic Director of the LA Phil, he transformed the orchestra and its relationship with Los Angeles. One of his lasting legacies is YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles): a profound example of the LA Phil’s commitment to innovation, access, and community. As we celebrate Gustavo’s tenure, we also celebrate YOLA as a life-affirming program that embodies Gustavo’s belief in music as a force for equity, hope, and transformation.

Gustavo, YOLA, the LA Phil, and You

Since its inception in 2007, YOLA has become interwoven with the fabric of the LA Phil and the communities our institution serves. Every year, the program provides instruments, music instruction, and meaningful creative engagement for 1,600 students through local hubs across the city: YOLA at Camino Nuevo in Westlake/MacArthur Park; YOLA at Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) in the Rampart District; YOLA at Inglewood in the program’s first purpose-built facility, the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center; and YOLA at Torres in East LA. 

Your support for YOLA advances Gustavo’s vision of making music accessible to young people from vibrant, diverse communities in Southern California. Your donation is a personal “thank you” and a commitment to this impactful program and the next generation of musicians. Together, we say, “Gracias Gustavo.”