The 2024 LA Phil Gala Concert, proudly supported by Rolex, marked the return to the Walt Disney Concert Hall for Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The October 1 show featured a performance by renowned pianist, Lang Lang, and over $3.5 million was raised in support of the LA Phil's Learning and Community Programs, which supports the lives of over 150,000 educators, families, and young people, including Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA), each year. Setting a glamorous tone for the evening, over 600 distinguished guests — including Beck, Christine Chiu, Amanda Kloots, Rufus Wainwright, and Timothy Olyphant — graced the Gala, ushering in the new season with excitement and elegance.

Beginning with a spirited cocktail reception in the enchanting Blue Ribbon Garden, guests savored delectable hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails crafted by Levy Catering. As the stars of the night mingled, gala attendees seamlessly transitioned into the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall for a breathtaking performance by the LA Phil, under the dynamic baton of Maestro Dudamel. The virtuoso Lang Lang then took center stage, delivering a remarkable rendition of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, paired elegantly with Ginastera’s vibrant Estancia, which showcased the powerful voice of baritone Gustavo Castillo. This spirited piece was not just a highlight of the evening but also part of the LA Phil’s Grammy-nominated album Fandango, which recently earned accolades with two Latin Grammy nominations for Best Classical Album and Best Classical Contemporary Composition.

Following an electrifying standing ovation, Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic treated the audience to an encore of John Philip Sousa’s iconic march “The Liberty Bell,” perfectly synchronized with a dazzling confetti drop. After the concert, the festivities rolled out on Grand Avenue, where a glamorous gala dinner unfolded. Chic black-and-white décor by Sequoia Productions set a sophisticated tone, while Savore Catering Studio plus Beckmen Vineyards and Laurel Glen Vineyard delighted guests with a gourmet menu and wines. 

The evening also held remarks from LA Phil Board Chair Jason Subotky, LA Phil President & CEO Kim Noltemy, and the music director himself. A special moment was a duet by the dynamic duo, Lang Lang and his wife, Gina Alice Redlinger, who mesmerized the audience with a four-handed rendition of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5. As the night continued to unfold, revelers flocked to the dance floor at the Grand Avenue after-party, where DJ Derrick “D-Nice” Jones kept the energy soaring well into the early hours.

But despite the night eventually coming to an end, Dudamel will usher the LA Phil into its 2024/25 season with a hefty lineup of performances. Kicking off with A Midsummer Night’s Dream on October 3 and 4, he will also unveil the world premiere of Gabriela Ortiz’s cello concerto, Dzonot, featuring Alisa Weilerstein. Then, the music magic continues with An Evening of Film & Music: From Mexico to Hollywood, part of the LA Phil’s John Williams Spotlight series, running from October 25 to 27. Rounding out this festive lineup, join Dudamel for Día de Los Muertos from November 1 to 3, showcasing a colorful tapestry of music by various Mexican and Brazilian composers.

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Asher, Timothy Norris, Farah Sosa, and the LA Phil.