Appointment of Daniel Harding
The Los Angeles Philharmonic has announced that Daniel Harding will be its new music director. This decision concludes three years of speculation following Gustavo Dudamel’s departure to lead the New York Philharmonic in August. Harding’s six-year contract will begin in fall 2027, marking nearly 30 years since his debut with the L.A. Phil at the 1997 Ojai Festival.
Harding’s Background and Achievements
Born in Oxford, England, in 1975, Harding made waves early in his career. At age 17, he became an assistant to Simon Rattle at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He has since conducted globally recognized orchestras in Scandinavia, Germany, France, Japan, China, and currently Rome’s National Academy of Santa Cecilia.
Harding’s discography spans a wide range of music, consistently delivered with clarity and pleasure. Despite his achievements, he diverges from the typical mold of L.A. Phil directors, who were typically young and less experienced.
L.A. Phil’s Ambitious Undertakings
The L.A. Phil has expanded its reach under previous directors, incorporating diverse programs and venues. It includes music education, pop culture, film scores, Latino arts, architecture, classical and avant-garde music. This expansion has led to speculation about the capacity of a single music director to manage all these areas.
However, Harding is welcomed by L.A. Phil’s leadership team, including Kim Noltemy, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Dudamel, and rising stars like Anna Handler.
Future Goals and Vision
Harding plans to maintain his position at Santa Cecilia until 2029, from his current base in Paris. He aims to tour with the Youth Orchestra L.A. (YOLA) in 2029 to celebrate Frank Gehry’s centenary. His approach emphasizes collaboration with established colleagues and exploring new cultural spaces.
Harding, who also holds a commercial flying license, is involved in training for flying Air France’s transatlantic jets, connecting Paris and L.A.