Pilot Maestro Takes LA's Top Orchestra Seat

British conductor Daniel Harding is set to become the next music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a leading American orchestra. He will officially assume this prestigious role in 2027, taking over from Gustavo Dudamel.

Harding, who is also a part-time commercial airline pilot for Air France, will continue his aviation career alongside his new conducting duties. This dual profession offers a unique perspective on his artistry.

Born in Oxford and mentored by Sir Simon Rattle, Harding's impressive career includes leading major orchestras in Rome, Paris, and Stockholm. His appointment to the LA Phil signifies a significant milestone, with creative director Esa-Pekka Salonen hailing him as "absolutely one of the most important conductors of our time."

LA Phil chairman Jason Subotky expressed enthusiasm for Harding's vision and community engagement plans. Harding himself conveyed excitement about making music with the LA musicians, noting the orchestra's "institutional charisma" and unique artistic possibilities.

After turning 40, Harding learned to fly and now pilots Airbus planes for Air France on medium-haul flights. He contrasts the precision required in flying with the exploration of risk in music, stating, "In flying, we have to identify all the threats... In music, it's the opposite. We have to get as close as we can to catastrophe."

Harding's appointment places him in a lineage of distinguished British conductors who have led major US orchestras, including Sir John Barbirolli and Sir Georg Solti.