Daniel Harding Appointed 12th Music Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic
The Los Angeles Philharmonic has appointed British conductor Daniel Harding as its 12th music director, beginning in the fall of 2027. He will succeed Gustavo Dudamel, who leaves the position in August 2026 to become music director of the New York Philharmonic.
Appointment and Contract
"Making music with the magnificent LA musicians is a thrill and an inspiration."
— Daniel Harding
Harding will serve an initial six-year contract, starting with the 2027/28 season. In his first season, he is scheduled to conduct eight weeks of programming, increasing to at least 12 weeks per season in subsequent years.
As music director, his responsibilities include overseeing programming at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Ford, and the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA).
- Harding was selected after a search process involving a committee of musicians, board members, and staff.
- Los Angeles Philharmonic President and CEO Kim Noltemy stated that Harding was the overwhelming favorite based on feedback from orchestra players.
- Harding will serve as music director designate in November 2026 and January 2027, conducting the orchestra before his official tenure begins.
Background
Daniel Harding was born in Oxford, England, in 1975. He made his U.S. debut conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the 1997 Ojai Festival. His Hollywood Bowl debut took place in August 2025 with Rachmaninoff programs.
Harding began his career as an assistant to Simon Rattle at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. At age 21, he became the youngest conductor in the history of the BBC Proms.
His professional history includes:
- Principal conductor of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra (19 years)
- Principal guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra (2007-2017)
- Current music director of Rome's Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
- Established relationships with the Berlin Philharmonic, Concertgebouw Orchestra, and Vienna Philharmonic
Harding is also a qualified airline pilot and continues to fly Airbus aircraft for Air France.
Other Appointments and Future Plans
The Los Angeles Philharmonic retains Esa-Pekka Salonen as creative director. Anna Handler has been appointed conductor-in-residence. Gustavo Dudamel will return for at least four weeks per season in his role as artistic and cultural laureate.
Harding has stated an intention to take the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) on tour in 2029.
Statements
"Harding is greatly admired by the orchestra and was the overwhelming choice based on their feedback."
— Kim Noltemy, President and CEO
"He brings an exceptional level of focus and musical insight to his work."
— John Lofton, Bass Trombonist and Search Committee Member
"I'm confident that the brilliance, heart and limitless talent of the LA Phil ... will be in good hands under Daniel's musical leadership."
— Gustavo Dudamel
"He is one of the most important conductors of our time."
— Esa-Pekka Salonen, Former Music Director
Historical Context
The Los Angeles Philharmonic was founded in 1919 and has commissioned and premiered works by composers including Stravinsky, Schoenberg, Lutosławski, and John Adams. Under Dudamel's tenure since 2009, the orchestra won 11 Grammy awards over 14 years.