The Los Angeles Philharmonic has announced its 2026-27 season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, bringing a mix of world premieres, returning artists and expansive programming to downtown Los Angeles.
Unveiled by LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy, the upcoming season centers the orchestra while welcoming back familiar figures, including Esa-Pekka Salonen, who begins his new role as Creative Director, and Gustavo Dudamel, returning to Walt Disney Concert Hall for the first time since concluding his tenure as Music & Artistic Director. Creative Chair John Adams, Herbie Hancock and Artist Collaborator Emmanuelle Haïm will also shape the season through curated programs.
The schedule continues the LA Phil’s commitment to contemporary music, featuring 22 commissioned works, including 15 world premieres and three U.S. premieres from composers such as Gabriella Smith, Hildur Guðnadóttir, Sarah Davachi and Jlin.
Salonen’s inaugural season anchors a large portion of the programming, including the season-long Rituals festival, which explores themes of ritual through both sacred and everyday perspectives. Highlights include a restaging of “One Morning Turns Into an Eternity” with director Peter Sellars, performances of Mozart’s “Requiem” and Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” and a U.S. premiere of Smith’s violin concerto “How To Be A Bird.”
Dudamel returns for three programs, leading a cycle of Beethoven piano concertos with pianist Rudolf Buchbinder, along with a new LA Phil co-commission by composer Zosha Di Castri.
Additional highlights include a minimalist spotlight honoring Steve Reich and Philip Glass at 90, John Adams’ 80th birthday celebration, and appearances by artists including Yuja Wang, Hilary Hahn and Lang Lang, alongside a wide range of guest conductors throughout the season.
The LA Phil Gala opens the season on Oct. 1, with programming running through spring. Tickets and full schedule details are available at laphil.com.