The New York Philharmonic’s new season opened with a night nobody saw coming. Gustavo Dudamel took the stage at Radio City Music Hall on September 10 as the orchestra’s new music and artistic director, and his first program blended Gershwin and Philip Glass with St. Vincent, Broadway star Aaron Tveit, Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina, and Lizzo.
Joaquina performed“Pesimista”and“El Alquimista”in a long red dress and said she was proud, as a Venezuelan, to see Dudamel leading one of the world’s major philharmonics. Actor Liev Schreiber hosted the evening with a comic tribute to the maestro. Then Lizzo closed the show with orchestral versions of“Cuz I Love You”and“Truth Hurts,”plus a turn on the flute that brought the house down.
Dudamel succeeds Jaap van Zweden, who led the Philharmonic from 2018 to 2024, and his arrival marks a major crossover moment for classical music. So what do you think: should more orchestras team up with pop stars? Tell us in the comments.
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.