![](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/05/20/04/New_York_Philharmonic_Dudamel_29008.jpg?width=1200&auto=webp)
Gustavo Dudamel and the New York Philharmonic received a seven-minute standing ovation Friday night following his first performance with the orchestra since he agreed to become music director.
Dudamel conducted a performance of Mahler's Ninth Symphony at David Geffen Hall, a program he is scheduled to repeat on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.
The 42-year-old Venezuelan has been music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2009 and will leave at the end of the 2025-2026 season. He agreed in February to a five-year contract as New York's artistic and music director starting in 2026-2027.
Dudamel will remain music director of the Paris Opéra, a role he’s held since 2021.