The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra has announced that an enthusiastic young Venezuelan conductor, Gustavo Dudamel, 26, will be its next musical director after the departure of Esa-Pekka Salonen.

Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, 26, smiles as he is introduced as the next Los Angeles Philharmonic music director during a news conference on Monday at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
(Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press)

Dudamel was introduced to journalists and members of the orchestra on Monday at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Frank Gehry-designed building that is home to the L.A. Philharmonic.

"This is a joyous day. This is a day of optimism and tremendous hope for the future," Salonen said.

"I wanted to be the one to hand over the baton to someone wonderful … and he is here."

Finnish-born Salonen, 48, announced the end of his term Sunday from the orchestra he has led for 16 years. He will step down at the end of the 2008-09 season, while Dudamel has signed a five-year contract beginning in the 2009-10 season.

Dudamel has led Venezuela's Simon Bolivar National Youth Orchestra since 1999.

The young Venezuelan first caught Salonen's eye after winning the Gustav Mahler conducting competition in Germany in 2004.

In 2005 he conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl and seemed a good fit with the 106-member orchestra. Dudamel returned in January to conduct the orchestra at the Disney Hall.

Salonen described Dudamel as "brilliant" and said his modern, passionate approach to classical music will set the right course for the 90-year-old orchestra.

" 'This is the man,' I said to my wife," Salonen said.

Musicians welcomed the choice. "I'm devastated that Esa-Pekka's leaving, but I'm ecstatic about Gustavo," said violinist Kristine Hedwall, 37.

"We've seen a million conductors; this was different. There's a joy in him that's really contagious."

Wearing black sneakers and beaming with enthusiasm, Dudamel alternated between English and Spanish, and cracked jokes.

"I'm not a good speaker, and my English is improving, I hope," he said, smiling. "It is very special to be here in front of one of the greatest orchestras, not just in the U.S., but in the world."

Dudamel, who has been conducting since he was 12, said his youth should not be an impediment to the role. Salonen himself was only 30 when appointed to the orchestra.

He said it is too soon to make plans for the orchestra, but he might be interested in more collaboration with Latino music professionals.

Salonen said he will devote his time to composing and has some plans for guest conducting in London.