‘Welcome Gustavo!’ Dudamel Kicks Off the NY Philharmonic Season as Official Conductor, with Joaquina, Lizzo & St. Vincent as Guests

The New York Philharmonic commenced its 2026-27 season with the appointment of Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel as its official conductor. On Thursday night, the acclaimed musician performed an eclectic program at Radio City Music Hall, featuring a range of artists from Gershwin to St. Vincent, Joaquina, Lizzo, and more. Upon his entrance, the audience greeted him with a round of applause, to which he responded with a smile and began conducting.

The night opened with a powerful rendition of Gershwin's "Strike Up the Band" (1927), followed by a set featuring St. Vincent in a striking black balloon skirt and leather jacket, wielding a bright red electric guitar. The American rockstar performed haunting renditions of her songs "Smoking Section" and "New York," expressing her delight at the city welcoming Dudamel.

Host Liev Schreiber humorously described Dudamel as a mix of Billy Joel, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tito Puente, Barbra Streisand, and no trace of Leo Messi. He added a touch of electricity and hair, before baking it into a musical arepa, complete with a baton.

The evening continued with Philip Glass' "Anniversary Concert Overture" (2012) and Tony-Award winning actor-singer Aaron Tveit, who presented songs from Bernstein and Sondheim, including "Something's Coming" and "Maria" from West Side Story, as well as "Being Alive" from Company.

Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina shone in a long red dress, belting heartfelt renditions of her songs "Pesimista" and "El Alquimista," elevated by the beauty of the orchestra and her long-time producer, Julio Reyes Copello. She expressed her gratitude to the New York Philharmonic and Dudamel for the trust placed in her, and for being part of a significant moment in her career.

The program concluded with Lizzo, who dazzled in a long, body-hugging white dress, singing hits like "Cuz I Love You" and "Truth Hurts." The versatile superstar also played the flute and paid tribute to her mother, who was celebrating her birthday. Lizzo also thanked Dudamel as the new music and artistic director at the New York Philharmonic.