Julie Andrews is among the stars featured in the LA Phil’s upcoming virtual gala. (photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Philharmonic)

The Los Angeles Philharmonic, with Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, have announced the details of their celebratory, star-studded online event, “Icons on Inspiration.”

Available for free viewing at laphil.com/icons beginning Feb. 6 at 6 p.m., “Icons on Inspiration” transforms the LA Phil’s annual winter gala, the largest fundraising event of its year, for the streaming era.

The event will feature Dudamel with the LA Phil, joined by a diverse roster of artists and cultural icons, and offers audiences a front-row seat to memorable performances and intimate conversations between Dudamel and his special guests.

“This year, music has been a lifeline for so many of us, helping to bring us together in spirit through the many challenges,” Dudamel said. “We wanted to create an event that honored that sense of hope and connection and celebrated the way that the orchestra can unite us in the service of something greater than ourselves. To be able to share the stage with these extraordinary cultural icons is a dream and privilege, and to be able to perform some of their favorite pieces of music is a gift. We are so grateful for their support, and we hope you enjoy this very special evening.”

The LA Phil performances were recently filmed at the Hollywood Bowl. The program, which opens with composer Jessie Montgomery’s “Starburst,” features Dudamel in one-on-one online conversations with legendary award-winning actress, singer and writer Julie Andrews, Academy and Grammy Award-winning artist, actor, author and activist Common, superstar singer Katy Perry, Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman, Latin Grammy-winner Carlos Vives, and internationally acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang. The viewing audience will hear from these iconic figures about how music inspires and uplifts them and about their enduring support for the art form. 

Interspersed between each conversation, the orchestra will play music selected and inspired by the celebrated guests, including Duke Ellington’s “Martin Luther King,” “Berceuse” from Igor Stravinsky’s “The Firebird” and “Das himmlische Leben” from Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 featuring soprano Liv Redpath.

Patron opportunities are available  to elevate the experience including a private performance featuring an ensemble of LA Phil musicians (virtual or in-person as safety allows), access to a private VIP Zoom room on the evening of the premiere and a musical score autographed by Dudamel. For more information, visit laphil.com/support/icons-on-inspiration. The free broadcast will remain available through March 6 at laphil.com/icons.