All good things must come to an end, but not without proper occasion. What better way to commemorate a legendary tenure with a world-renowned cultural institution than a grand jubilee?

As Gustavo Dudamel enters the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s 2025/26 season (his last as the Artistic and Music Director) an elegant evening of music and dinner commenced last night in an endeavor to honor the legacy the conductor will leave behind after 17 years leading the ensemble.

Gustavo's Fiesta was held at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, where the LA Phil has called home for over 20 years. In classic honoree fashion, Dudamel led the philharmonic in a collection of his most beloved symphonic finales, from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 to Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9. Amidst bellowing acoustics, familiar cinematic rhythms, the most heart-warming, full-circle moment of the night arrived when musicians of YOLA arrived to accompany the professionals. YOLA—a learning initiative founded by Dudamel himself—provides youth across the Los Angeles community with access to instruments, lessons, and the global classical music industry.

Dudamel’s strides for the arts organization were joined in celebration by many notable attendees: members of the LA Phil’s executive board and committee chairs, local officials, VIP guests Helen Hunt, LL Cool J, Supriya Ganesh, and Oscar Dudamel, and others.

Goodbyes are never easy, but the pain signifies that we, for an amount of time, possessed something worth cherishing. Los Angeles has certainly cherished our time with Gustavo Dudamel. That being said, the LA Phil’s season is just getting started, so wipe your tears—it's show time.