2025: A Year of Resilience for L.A. Classical Music
The year 2025 began for Los Angeles amid significant challenges, including wildfires that impacted musicians and forced concert cancellations. However, these events also served as catalysts for communal healing, as the classical music community sought to come together in the aftermath.
Despite ongoing struggles to return to pre-pandemic audience numbers, the classical music scene in L.A. demonstrated resilience. Major orchestras and opera companies nationwide faced uncertain futures, with dwindling government support and the threat of censorship adding to their woes. Yet, new leadership in local arts institutions is breathing fresh life into the scene, instilling hope among both musicians and audiences.
One notable transition this year is the departure of Gustavo Dudamel from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. His farewell tour is a significant moment, with memorable performances at events like Coachella, where he drew cheers from a massive crowd. Dudamel’s leadership has been marked by powerful interpretations of Mahler, culminating in a series of extraordinary performances that captivated audiences at the Walt Disney Concert Hall and on international tours.
Meanwhile, Esa-Pekka Salonen concluded a challenging five-year term as music director of the San Francisco Symphony. His tenure was marked by a lack of alignment with the orchestra’s vision, but he has returned to the L.A. Phil in a newly created role as creative director. His recent performance of Pierre Boulez’s “Rituel” showcased his commitment to redefining the orchestra’s role in society, highlighting the innovative spirit within the classical music community.
Another significant figure, Peter Sellars, has been busy collaborating with Salonen, staging powerful productions that address profound themes. His recent work in various cities has included a gripping presentation of Schoenberg’s “Erwartung,” which left audiences deeply moved.
In the operatic realm, Yuval Sharon, a leading figure in innovative opera, has moved on to serve as the artistic director of Detroit Opera, but not without leaving his mark in L.A. He delivered lectures at the University of Chicago and continued his experimental work, pushing the boundaries of traditional opera.
Long Beach Opera has also taken bold steps under interim managing director Marjorie Beale. This season, they focused entirely on the deep listening works of Pauline Oliveros, resulting in a sell-out season that challenged conventional operatic norms. This courageous approach highlights the company’s commitment to exploring new artistic avenues, even if it requires fiscal adjustments moving forward.
Wild Up, the avant-garde chamber orchestra founded by Christopher Rountree, continues to thrive, bringing innovative performances to diverse venues across L.A. Their dedication to progressive compositions and collaboration with other art forms remains vital to the city’s evolving cultural landscape.
The Ojai Festival showcased the influence of Pauline Oliveros, with Claire Chase leading a dynamic exploration of her music, further solidifying the impact of deep listening in contemporary performance. This year’s festival highlighted the intersection of environmental themes and musical expression.
In a poignant moment, Zubin Mehta and Michael Tilson Thomas, two luminaries of the L.A. music scene, were celebrated for their contributions to the arts. Their legacies continue to resonate, with Mehta conducting Bruckner’s Eighth Symphony despite health challenges, demonstrating the enduring power of music and community.
As the classical music community in L.A. navigates these challenges and transitions, it is clear that the spirit of innovation and resilience remains strong, ensuring that the arts continue to thrive in this vibrant city. For more information on the current state of the classical music scene, visit the RIAA.
For further insights on this evolving landscape, explore our coverage on music industry.