Conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil), and the orchestra announced Monday a benefit concert at the Hollywood Bowl to raise funds for communities affected by the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela.
“A Concert for Venezuela” will be held on Sunday, Aug. 23, and will feature a full program that includes guest artists, who will be announced at a later date.
Venezuela was struck by magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes on June 24 that have so far claimed the lives of more than 2,200 people, a number that is expected to rise, according to local authorities. One of the hardest-hit areas is La Guaira, located on the country’s Caribbean coast, north of Caracas.
The funds raised will benefit the Earthquake Recovery to Support Venezuelan Communities Fund, created by Dudamel in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF).
“Venezuela will always be my home, and my thoughts are always with the families whose lives have been forever changed by this tragedy. The suffering is immense, but so too is the strength and resilience of our people,” Dudamel said.
K-9s from LA County are offering a dose of comfort to people impacted by the disaster. Keenan Willard reports for the NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The conductor said the concert represents “an invitation to unite and transform our compassion into action.” He added that, through the collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and CAF, it will be possible to deliver urgent humanitarian aid to those who need it most while supporting long-term recovery efforts.
Venezuelan authorities have reported more than 3,000 deaths. International rescue teams have also arrived to search through the rubble in hopes of finding survivors.
“Every person who joins us and every contribution made will be a reminder to the people of Venezuela that they are not alone. Together, through music, generosity and hope, we will help our country heal and rebuild,” he said.
LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy announced that the institution will make a charitable donation of $50,000 to support relief efforts.
Both the Venezuelan conductor and LA Phil musicians will participate in the event on a volunteer basis.
The concert will mark Dudamel’s final performance as music and artistic director of the LA Phil. It replaces the previously announced event, “Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl: A Musical Legacy.”
For ticket information, click HERE.