The New York Philharmonic has announced that Gustavo Dudamel will become the Orchestra’s next  Music and Artistic Director.

The organization said that during the 2026–27 season, Dudamel will begin a five-year term, becoming the 27th conductor to preside over the NY Phil. Dudamel will serve as Music Director Designate during the 2025–26 season.

In response to his new position, Dudamel said, “Today, above all, I am grateful. I am grateful to the musicians and leadership of the New York Philharmonic as we embark upon this new and beautiful journey together. As the great poet Federico García Lorca said: ‘Every step we take on earth brings us to a new world.’”

He added, “I gaze with joy and excitement at the world that lies before me in New York City.”

Dudamel has conducted 26 concerts with the New York Philharmonic as a guest beginning in November 2007 when he debuted.

He would make subsequent appearances in 2009 and 2022. Dudamel will return to New York City this spring to conduct the Orchestra in three performances of Mahler’s Symphony No. 9. These concerts will also mark his first time conducting in the newly reimagined David Geffen Hall’s Wu Tsai Theater.

NY Phil’s Linda and Mitch Hart President & CEO Deborah Borda said, “This is a dream come true for our musicians, our audience, and certainly for me. The coming together of a great orchestra, a visionary Music and Artistic Director, and our transformed hall promises the richest of futures.” Gary Ginstling, the NY Phil’s Executive Director, who will succeed Borda as President & CEO, agreed: “With Gustavo Dudamel, the Philharmonic is poised for what I believe will be one of the most exciting chapters in its storied history.”