Wildfire interruptions lead to LA Philharmonic concert cancellations
LA Philharmonic Cancels Concerts Amid Wildfire Crisis
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the 'Big Five' American orchestras, has been forced to cancel multiple concerts in January 2025 due to devastating wildfires in and around Los Angeles. The wildfires have caused significant damage, affecting many musicians and staff of the orchestra and disrupting their regular schedule.
The orchestra's home, the world-class acoustic of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, located in downtown Los Angeles, was scheduled to host a program of contemporary music, specifically by Nicolás Lell Benavides. The concerts that were canceled included this program, as well as a performance featuring Yo-Yo Ma playing Bach's prelude in the Notre Dame cathedral.
Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Philharmonic's current chief conductor, consistently receives rave reviews from critics. The orchestra performs 300 events a year, largely in four noted venues: Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, The Ford, and the Beckmen YOLA Center.
However, the wildfires have made performances unsafe to proceed, causing disruptions to various events and activities in the city. The LA Philharmonic Orchestra's cancellation of performances is still a result of the ongoing wildfires in the city.
Since then, some concert series in the area have cautiously resumed as conditions and safety have improved. As for the current status as of August 2025, there is no direct report of ongoing LA Philharmonic cancellations specifically tied to the recent Canyon Fire near the Ventura and LA county border in early August 2025.
Regarding upcoming performances, no specific new cancellations or rescheduling announcements by the LA Philharmonic due to wildfires have been found in the latest available information. Programs and tours, including collaborations and performances, are continuing aside from the wildfire-related disruptions earlier in the year.
If you need the most up-to-date schedule or specific event details, it is best to consult the LA Philharmonic’s official website or their latest press releases directly, given that wildfire situations can rapidly change local event logistics. The next scheduled concert for the LA Philharmonic Orchestra is set to take place on Thursday 16 January, with Philippe Jordan conducting Tchaikovsky's 'Pathétique' Symphony.
The wildfires have impacted not only the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra's concert schedule but also the broader environmental science community, as climate-change related weather patterns might increase the frequency and severity of such crises. The science behind these weather events is a pressing issue, and environmental-science experts are closely monitoring the situation to predict future occurrences and implement preventive measures.
