Gustavo Dudamel conducts Beethoven Missa Solemnis for the first time - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Mark Swed

February 25, 2026

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Gustavo Dudamel recently made history by conducting Beethoven’s *Missa Solemnis* for the first time, marking a historic moment in his tenure with the Los Angeles Philharmonic as part of their month-long focus on Beethoven’s works. This monumental performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall showcased Dudamel’s deep connection to Beethoven’s music and his ability to bring the composer’s spiritual and emotional depth to life. *Missa Solemnis*, Beethoven’s final and most ambitious religious work, is a grand mass that spans over 80 minutes and features a large orchestra, chorus, and four vocal soloists. Known for its intricate structure and profound spirituality, it remains one of the least performed of Beethoven’s major works due to its complexity and emotional intensity. Dudamel’s interpretation was both bold and intimate, conducted entirely from memory without a baton and with his body fully engaged in the performance. He led an exceptional team of musicians, including two imported choruses from Spain—Orfeó Català and Cor de Cambra del Palau de la Música Catalana—with over 130 singers delivering powerful performances. The soloists Pretty Yende, Sarah Saturnino, SeokJong Baek, and Nicholas Brownlee also impressed with their robust and nuanced contributions. Dudamel’s approach emphasized the work’s celestial diplomacy and unwavering pursuit of peace, aligning with Beethoven’s own vision for *Missa Solemnis* as a spiritual dialogue between man and God. The performance took place during a month dedicated to exploring Beethoven’s music and its relevance today. Earlier in the series, Dudamel had already made a political statement by updating Beethoven’s incidental music

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/25/2026