Gustavo Dudamel will join The New York Philharmonic for a week-long celebration of music education, part of the Orchestra’s 2023–24 activities marking the centennial of the Young People’s Concerts.

The centerpiece of the festival will be the Philharmonic's Spring Gala, which is set for April 24. With Dudamel conducting, the evening will also feature artist and actor Common, soprano Hera Hyesang Park, and guitarist and former New York Yankees centerfielder Bernie Williams. Both Common and Williams will be making their New York Philharmonic debuts. The Philharmonic will perform several works side-by-side with student musicians from communities across NYC. The repertoire for the evening will be announced at a later date. 

The week will also include a number of events highlighting music education and celebrating young musicians. The Philharmonic will collaborate with more than 20 NYC–based community and school partners to present Building Tomorrow’s Legacy Today, a series of educational activities and initiatives.

As part of NYC Arts in Education Roundtable’s annual Face to Face Conference, Dudamel will participate in a conversation about the importance of high-level arts education April 25 at noon at The City College of New York’s Shepard Hall. The discussion will be attended by arts leaders, NY Philharmonic Teaching Artists, elected officials, and other arts supporters.

Dudamel currently serves as Music and Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Music Director of the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. In 2026 he will become The Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music and Artistic Director of the New York Philharmonic, after serving as Music Director Designate in the 2025–26 season.

For tickets to the spring gala and more information, click here. For more information on the Face to Face conference, click here.