Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic captivated the Coachella crowd on Saturday with a memorable 50-minute set, featuring stars like Becky G, LL Cool J, Maren Morris, Zedd, and Laufey. The performance saw these artists join the iconic symphony to perform some of their biggest hits.
The Coachella stage in Indio was a far cry from the orchestra’s usual venue, Disney Hall in downtown Los Angeles. However, for Dudamel, the performance was a long-awaited milestone. “It will be beautiful,” he said a week before the show, reflecting on the culmination of an idea that had been in the works for years. This performance also marked a significant moment in Dudamel’s career, as it takes place just before he departs for New York next year to assume a leading role at the New York Philharmonic.
“This was a dream that I had for many years,” Dudamel shared, revealing that it was only in the last 18-24 months that serious discussions began between the LA Phil and Coachella producers to bring the vision to life. He explained, “We have the opportunity to do many wonderful things at the Hollywood Bowl, but performing at a festival like Coachella—representing a culture itself—has always been a dream.” Dudamel described the collaboration as a perfect culmination of efforts, marking the end of his tenure with the LA Phil on a high note.
The LA Phil’s Coachella set on Weekend 2 will feature new guest stars, though their identities are being kept a secret, following the tradition from Weekend 1. Saturday’s performance blended contemporary hits with classical music, including a highlight from LL Cool J. The rapper performed a medley, including his iconic “Rock the Bells,” a unique collaboration with the symphony.
Joanna Rees, Vice President of Programming at the LA Phil, noted that LL Cool J had been invited to Coachella for years but had never performed. “It was Gustavo and the Philharmonic that made this opportunity happen,” Rees said. The collaboration came to life after a Zoom meeting between LL Cool J, Dudamel, and the LA Phil team, where they brainstormed ideas and excitedly shared their vision.
Megan Umber, LA Phil’s Chief Programming Officer, explained that LL Cool J’s medley incorporated classical elements, such as Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony and Stravinsky’s Firebird. “I’ve never seen anyone do it this way—properly blending orchestral music with pop,” Umber said, highlighting the innovative nature of the performance.
In addition to its Coachella performances, the LA Phil continues its regular spring season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, where they are currently showcasing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Dudamel treated the Coachella audience to an excerpt from a Max Richter rearrangement of the piece, blending classical music with contemporary influences. The show also featured iconic classical works, including the Strauss piece famous for its use in Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey.
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