After 17 years with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudamel is leaving at the end of his contract this summer to become the music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic. LA Philharmonic musicians share their words below on working with the celebrated music director over the years to build the orchestra into the world-famous institution that it is today.
John Lofton, Trombone
“Gustavo Dudamel came in as an relative unknown and went out as a superstar. During his tenure countless lives have been touched, from the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA) to our audiences and the Fellows. His energy and passion is his lasting gift to the LA Phil family. We have experienced what it is that he can bring to the classical music world and are better for it. We are grateful to continue our relationship going forward.”
Meredith Snow, Viola
“Gustavo has been a fantastic leader for the LA Phil and a champion for music in LA. His foundational leadership with YOLA has changed the landscape of classical music worldwide—but especially in LA. It has been a great joy to work with him these past 17 years—-our loss is New York’s gain!”
Ted Botsford, Bass
“Working with Gustavo is always a trip! He brings such infectious energy to the stage, and some of my favorite LA Phil memories (so far) are working with him. From presenting Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet with a live projection of dancers running all around Disney Hall to the 30+ seconds of silence following a Mahler 9 performance to playing Rite of Spring at almost unplayable tempi, it’s all been inspiring and super fun!”
Thomas Hooten, Trumpet
“Having Gustavo as my music director for the last 14 years has been an absolute privilege. His sincere love of connection with others through music, paired with his grace and passion, has been the highlight of my musical career. He helped me grow and blossom in my role as Principal Trumpet, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities and moments we have shared. He brings a special sense of humanity to the podium that everyone feels—it’s magnetic.
My favorite story with him took place right after I won the job and was under tenure review. I would look for moments to ‘check in’ with him about how I was doing—maybe three to five times in the first few weeks. His response was always the same: ‘Have fun.’ At first I thought he was brushing me off, not giving me the specific feedback I wanted (‘You’re flat,’ ‘You’re late,’ ‘Phrase this better’). It took me a while to understand that he sincerely just wanted me to have fun. That simple reminder has shaped me as a performer and teacher for the better. To me, this is true leadership: he gives me the permission and trust to bring my whole self to the stage, and an invitation to play together.
Thank you, Gustavo.”
Whitney Crockett, Bassoon
“I had the privilege of being Gustavo’s first hire at the LA Phil, and working with him has been one of the greatest experiences of my career.
His influence on me has been not just through his extraordinary musicianship, but through his optimism, generosity, and the way he inspires everyone around him with kindness. He has a remarkable ability to share his vision of music with enthusiasm, warmth, and a wonderful sense of humor. Working with Gustavo has made me better, both professionally and personally.”