Gustavo Dudamel Debuts at NYC Radio City Hall for NY Philharmonic’s New Season With Lizzo, St.Vincent & More
On Thursday, September 10th, NYC’s Radio City Hall welcomed Gustavo Dudamel as the New York Philharmonic’s new Music and Artistic Director. This debut made him the first Latino American to lead the historic institution. During the one-night show titled, “Welcome Gustavo!,” the orchestra performed a range of music and featured guests including Lizzo, Joaquina St. Vincent, and more.
Gustavo Dudamel’s Musical Background
Dudamel, hailing from Barquisimeto, Venezuela, is a composing genius. A music career was clear through his young introduction to the art by his voice teacher mother and trombone-playing father. At 13, Dudamel joined a youth orchestra, and by 18 he became the Music Director of the Simόn Bolívar Youth Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela.
Dudamel has a number of international accolades, including appearances at the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and the London Philharmonia at Royal Festival Hall. Additionally, in 2007, he made his American debut conducting at the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl and became its Music and Artistic Director in 2009. Seen in his 2025 Ciachella performance, Dudamel strives to bring the orchestra and classical music to younger audiences.
The Performances
Now, as the 27th lead conductor of the NY Phil, Dudamel carries this goal into the 2026-2027 season. The lively tone for the night was set by host and acclaimed actor Liev Schreiber. He quipped clever jokes to describe Dudamel’s famed unique talents and head full of luscious curls. The evening commenced with Gershwin’s “Strike Up the Band” and a set featuring the American singer and songwriter St.Vincent. With her electric guitar and orchestral accompaniment songs like “Smoking Section” and “New York” rocked the hall.
A ode to New York’s Broadway stage was brought on by Tony Award winner Aaron Tevit, and composer Philip Glass. The artists played iconic musical hits such as West Side Story’s “Maria” and Company’s “Being Alive.” Paying an ode to his home country, Dudamel brought on Venezuelan singer and songwriter Joaquina. In a vibrant red dress Joaquina sang her ballads “Pesimista” and “El Alquimista,” which stunned while accompanied by the orchestra.
The night came to a fantastic close with singer-songwriter and flutist Lizzo. Hits like “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts” entertained the crowd. Lizzo’s dazzling flute playing and seamless transition into singing bridge the gap for what orchestral performances can look like.
Radio City was just a preview of the genius work Dudamel will bring into the new season. Many critics are awaiting to see where this exciting path in his career will take him.