Throughout its 2026 summer lineup at the Hollywood Bowl, the Los Angeles Philharmonic set record-breaking attendance numbers for classical programming, welcoming more than 158,000 patrons to 17 distinct performances.
According to the LA Phil, this figure represents a 13% increase over the prior record set in 2017, when roughly 140,000 tickets were sold.
Three concerts featuring the film scores of Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi stood out as key highlights of the season. These performances broke the Hollywood Bowl’s all-time attendance record for any single classical program.
Additionally, the season highlighted Gustavo Dudamel, LA Phil Artistic and Cultural Laureate, alongside performances by the LA Phil, Youth Orchestra Los Angeles musicians, and guest groups such as the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra.
“The success of the 2026 Bowl season’s classical programming demonstrates how vital orchestral music from soundtracks of beloved films to cross genre collaborations to historic masterworks still is to our community,” LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy said in a statement.
She further noted that performing beneath the stars at the Hollywood Bowl amplifies the orchestra’s power to inspire listeners.
The Hollywood Bowl, one of the world’s largest outdoor amphitheaters has served as the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since its official opening in 1922. The venue seats nearly 18,000 people and hosts performances across multiple genres.
The LA Phil plans to unveil its 2027 Hollywood Bowl season schedule in winter 2027.
To explore the rest of this summer’s schedule at the Hollywood Bowl, please visit hollywoodbowl.com.