Yale University is set to honor conductor and arts advocate Gustavo Dudamel with the prestigious Henry E. Howland Memorial Prize, one of the University’s highest honors.

The university will recognize Dudamel for his achievements in the arts, letters, or public affairs exemplifying the highest ideals of public service and human endeavor.

Dudamel, who is currently the Music and Artistic Director of the New York Philharmonic, will be in residence at Yale from Nov. 16-20, 2026, participating in a series of public events, conversations, and engagements with students from across the University, as well as members of the New Haven community.

The residency will culminate on Nov. 19, with the presentation of the Howland Prize by Yale President Maurie McInnis and a public performance by the Yale Philharmonia at Woolsey Hall under Dudamel’s direction and in tandem with Grete Pedersen, principal conductor of Yale Schola Cantorum.

In a statement McInnis said, “Gustavo Dudamel’s career exemplifies how art can make us question our assumptions, see the world anew, and, ultimately, deepen our bonds with one another. This recognition is well-deserved because, for more than two decades, he has demonstrated the power of music to connect people from seemingly disparate backgrounds. I look forward to him continuing to do exactly that during his residency at Yale.”

José García-León, Dean of the Yale School of Music added, “We are delighted to celebrate Maestro Gustavo Dudamel’s receipt of the prestigious Henry E. Howland Memorial Prize, a recognition that reflects his extraordinary commitment to the transformative power of music.We  are especially honored to welcome him to Yale during this week-long residency that will inspire students across the Yale School of Music, providing invaluable opportunities for learning, mentorship, and artistic exchange. His work through the Dudamel Foundation directly aligns with our Music In Schools Initiative, aimed at expanding access to music education and nurturing the next generation of musicians. Gustavo’s vision and impact resonate deeply with our mission, and we look forward to the inspiration he will bring to our community.”

The Henry E. Howland Memorial Prize was established in 1915 and has previosly been awarded to Philip John Noel-Baker (1933), Aaron Copland (1970), and Tony Blair (2008).