Daniel Harding Appointed as New Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has named Daniel Harding as its 12th music director, concluding three years of speculation following Gustavo Dudamel’s departure for the New York Philharmonic. Harding will begin a six-year contract, performing up to a dozen concerts each season starting in the fall of 2027. This appointment comes almost 30 years after the British conductor first led the L.A. Phil at the 1997 Ojai Festival.

Harding, a favored guest conductor, has ascended to prominent positions in the international orchestral circuit. He piloted two impressive Rachmaninoff programs at the Hollywood Bowl last summer, impressing the L.A. Phil musicians and becoming a contender to succeed Dudamel.

Born in Oxford, England, in 1975, Harding’s career began early as he assisted Simon Rattle at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra when he was just 17. Over the years, he has conducted major orchestras worldwide, including those in Scandinavia, Germany, Paris, Japan, China, and currently in Rome.

“I wouldn’t want to come to L.A. if I didn’t think it would be a challenge,” Harding remarked from his home in Paris.

L.A. Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy confirmed that Harding was the overwhelming favorite among orchestra players. She described him as the ideal conductor to elevate the ensemble to new heights. Harding faces a unique situation as the orchestra ambitiously expands into diverse areas like music education, pop music, visual arts, and more.

The L.A. Phil operates across four venues: Disney Hall, the Beckmen YOLA Center, Hollywood Bowl, and Ford Theater. This broad scope involves multiple leaders, such as Dudamel and Salonen, who hold honorary titles and oversee various initiatives. An orchestra of this magnitude poses the question of whether any single musician can fully lead it.

Harding is set to bring his unique perspective and resources to the L.A. Phil, collaborating with well-acquainted colleagues like Salonen, Dudamel, and Handler. His connection to the orchestra’s veteran creative chair, John Adams, and long-standing ties with key figures strengthen his position.

Looking forward, Harding plans to take the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (YOLA) on tour in 2029, aligning with Frank Gehry’s centenary. As an admirer of new cultures, Harding strives to create a blend of his experience with the vibrant L.A. culture, aiming to inspire greater achievements.

Harding will continue his role in Paris with Santa Cecilia through 2029, pursuing his passion for both conducting and flying. An additional project will have Harding train to pilot the latest Air France jets, traveling between Paris and L.A.