Longtime Los Angeles Philharmonic music and artistic director Gustavo Dudamel will receive two honorary titles recognizing his 17 years leading the orchestra and Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, or YOLA.
Dudamel will assume the titles of Diane and M. David Paul Artistic and Cultural Laureate of the LA Phil and Jane and Michael Eisner Founding Director and Conductor Laureate of YOLA after concluding his tenure in August, according to the organization.
The LA Phil said Dudamel will continue conducting performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall, oversee YOLA initiatives and curate an annual festival at the Hollywood Bowl featuring artists and musical traditions from around the world.
“Gustavo Dudamel’s remarkable legacy at the LA Phil has defined a generation of music-making in Los Angeles,” LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy said in a statement. “For nearly two decades, he has cultivated an extraordinary, enduring bond with our musicians, city, and community.”
Dudamel has served as music director since 2009 and is scheduled to become music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic in September.
“Los Angeles is written into my heart,” Dudamel said. “This city, its people and the extraordinary musicians of the LA Phil have shaped my growth as an artist and shared this profound chapter of my life.”
During his tenure, Dudamel led major artistic initiatives including the Pan-American Music Initiative, commissioned dozens of new works and helped expand YOLA into multiple Los Angeles neighborhoods before opening its permanent home, the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center.
He also led high-profile LA Phil performances at the Super Bowl, the Academy Awards and the Coachella music festival, according to the organization.