Daniel Harding Named Next Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Daniel Harding has been named the Los Angeles Philharmonic's next music director, effective for the 2027/28 season on a six-year contract, as Gustavo Dudamel departs in 2026 to lead the New York Philharmonic but will remain connected as artistic laureate. Harding will oversee programming across LAPhil venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and the Ford, alongside YOLA, and will conduct eight weeks in his first season (rising to 12 weeks later). He brings an acclaimed international conducting career and also works as an airline pilot, a parallel life he says informs his artistry; he will conduct as music director designate in late 2026/early 2027.
