From the iconic “Also Sprach Zarathustra” to LL Cool J’s rendition…Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic delivered a diverse and exciting performance on Saturday evening at Coachella, with a lineup of special guests adding to the musical experience. Opting for an outdoor stage in Indio over their usual venue at Disney Hall in downtown L.A., the orchestra captivated the festival crowd with a 50-minute set featuring artists such as Laufey, Maren Morris, Becky G, Zedd, and the legendary LL Cool J performing their hits accompanied by symphonic arrangements. While the guest stars shined, the LA Philharmonic took the spotlight by weaving classical music’s greatest hits into the performance.
In a behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for Coachella, Variety joined rehearsals at the Hollywood Bowl without revealing any surprises planned for LL Cool J or other guests. Dudamel and his team shared their excitement about bringing a classical touch to a pop festival, a dream Dudamel had nurtured for years. The collaboration with Coachella had been in the works for the past year and a half, culminating in this groundbreaking performance that showcased the orchestra’s versatility and innovation.
Dudamel, reflecting on the upcoming show, expressed a mix of nerves and exhilaration, emphasizing that this crossover event was a personal ambition rather than an external initiative. The LA Phil’s debut at Coachella set the stage for future collaborations with different guest artists, promising a unique and unforgettable musical experience for all attendees.
Joanna Rees, the vice president of programming for the LA Philharmonic, shared the story of Gustavo Dudamel’s collaboration with LL Cool J and the orchestra, which led to their performance at the Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival in 2025. The idea for the collaboration sparked during an exciting Zoom call between Todd (LL Cool J), Gustavo, and Joanna, where they discussed their vision and shared their enthusiasm for the project. Dudamel expressed his admiration for LL Cool J and described the experience as a dream come true.
The collaboration featured a unique blend of orchestral music, including samples from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony and Stravinsky’s ‘Firebird,’ seamlessly integrated into LL Cool J’s songs. Dudamel, energized by the rehearsals, shared his desire to be among the audience to fully experience the moment while conducting. The performance also showcased other talented artists such as Maren Morris, Zedd, Becky G, and Argentine rap duo Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso.
One standout performer was Laufey, whose previous collaborations with the LA Philharmonic had garnered critical acclaim. Her captivating performance at Coachella included her hit song “From the Start” and the live debut of her new single “Silver Lining.” Dudamel praised Laufey’s musical talent, emphasizing her family background in classical music.
The collaboration between Dudamel, LL Cool J, and the LA Philharmonic at Coachella was a memorable and innovative fusion of classical and contemporary music, showcasing the diverse talents of the performers involved.
This weekend, alongside the kickoff of Coachella, the LA Philharmonic is maintaining its usual springtime program at Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. They are featuring Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” with conductor Dudamel leading a captivating excerpt rearranged by Max Richter. This standout performance was complemented by classical pieces like the Strauss cue famously heard in Stanley Kubrick’s “2001,” as well as John Williams’ iconic “Imperial March.” Dudamel expressed the importance of paying tribute to Williams, emphasizing the unity of music and the connection between different genres and artists. He highlighted the seamless blend of Wagner, Beethoven, Vivaldi, and Bach with contemporary artists, emphasizing the universal appeal of music and its ability to transcend boundaries. Dudamel discussed the shared experience of music, its ability to evoke emotion and create a sense of unity among listeners. The performance at Coachella aimed to showcase the diversity and interconnectedness of music, breaking down barriers between genres and styles to create a cohesive musical experience for all.
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