Legacy and Celebration: Gustavo Dudamel's Farewell Tribute at the Hollywood Bowl
This summer, the Hollywood Bowl will be celebrating Gustavo Dudamel's 17-year tenure as the conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Dudamel will be bidding farewell with a series of performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall in June, followed by a four-night tribute at the Bowl titled "Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl." The L.A. Phil's summer lineup, which will be announced soon, will feature this special Dudamel tribute alongside other exciting events.
The Hollywood Bowl will also be honoring composer John Williams by dedicating its iconic stage to him. This tribute to Williams and Dudamel comes at a time of significant change for the L.A. Phil, as Dudamel concludes his long and impactful tenure with the organization. Dudamel's first concert as the L.A. Phil's music director took place at the Bowl in 2009, where he introduced himself with Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 and the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA).
The kickoff event for "Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl" will feature Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, with special performances by the symphony and YOLA. Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino will debut a new orchestral piece with lyrics by Amanda Gorman, the youngest presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history. The four-day celebration will also include "Dudamel's Playlist," a Latin pop rock-led variety show, a joint concert with the Foo Fighters, and a retrospective described as "Gustavo's love letter to L.A."
Gustavo Dudamel expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to make music at the Hollywood Bowl, where his journey with the L.A. Philharmonic began. He emphasized the importance of the community and connection fostered through music at the Bowl. The upcoming performances hold immense significance for Dudamel, marking a transition into a new era while celebrating his contributions to the organization.
In addition to the Dudamel tribute, the Hollywood Bowl's summer season will feature a Broadway-themed concert benefiting YOLA, a Juneteenth celebration headlined by Chance the Rapper, a hip-hop night with Nas, and a Fourth of July fireworks spectacular with the Beach Boys and special guest John Stamos. The lineup also includes film music concerts, a Wes Anderson music celebration, and a tribute to John Williams featuring scenes from his most popular films.
The Hollywood Bowl will unveil several cosmetic updates this summer, including a new multipurpose building, a premium sound system, and a re-imagined permanent collection at the Hollywood Bowl Museum. The new exhibition, "Hollywood Bowl: Soul of a City," will showcase the venue's rich history and its role as a cultural and community hub in Los Angeles. The revamped collection will feature photos, audio and video recordings, original documents, and artifacts that highlight the Bowl's legacy.
In collaboration with Live Nation-Hewitt Silva, the Bowl will host Netflix Is a Joke shows featuring John Mulaney and Marcello Hernández, as well as performances by music acts like Santana, the Doobie Brothers, the Black Crowes, and Tedeschi Trucks Band. For more information on the 2026 Hollywood Bowl lineup, visit the venue's website.