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Esa-Pekka Salonen Named LA Philharmonic's First Creative Director

9/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Esa-Pekka Salonen will serve as the Los Angeles Philharmonic's first creative director starting in the 2026/27 season.
He will conduct for six weeks annually and organize festivals.
Salonen will mentor young conductors through the Salonen International Conducting Fellowship.
His appointment signifies a shift towards innovative classical music presentation and community engagement.
This follows Gustavo Dudamel's final season as music director before joining the New York Philharmonic.

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Story summary

Esa-Pekka Salonen will serve as the Los Angeles Philharmonic's first creative director starting in the 2026/27 season.
He will conduct for six weeks annually and organize festivals.
Salonen will mentor young conductors through the Salonen International Conducting Fellowship.
His appointment signifies a shift towards innovative classical music presentation and community engagement.
This follows Gustavo Dudamel's final season as music director before joining the New York Philharmonic.