The LA Phil’s performance of film music of Joe Hisaishi surpassed the Hollywood Bowl attendance record for a single classical program. (photo by Elizabeth Asher for LA Phil)

The LA Phil announced that the Hollywood Bowl season’s classical programming had record-breaking attendance in 2026. More than 158,000 tickets were purchased across 17 distinct classical programs, eclipsing 2017’s previous summer attendance record of approximately 140,000 by 13%.

Notable highlights included a celebration of LA Phil Artistic and Cultural Laureate Gustavo Dudamel with the LA Phil and musicians of YOLA, performances from visiting ensembles including the National Symphony Orchestra and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and a trio of concerts featuring the LA Phil performing the film music of Joe Hisaishi, which surpassed the Hollywood Bowl attendance record for a single classical program.

“The success of the 2026 Bowl season’s classical programming demonstrates how vital orchestral music – from soundtracks of beloved films to cross-genre collaborations to historic masterworks – still is to our community,” LA Phil President and CEO Kim Noltemy said.

The LA Phil offers live performances, initiatives and learning programs that inspire and strengthen communities in Los Angeles and beyond. The Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra is the foundation of the LA Phil’s offerings, which also include a multi-genre, multidisciplinary presenting program and such youth development programs as YOLA, the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles. Performances are offered across the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Hollywood Bowl, The Ford and the Beckmen YOLA Center, as well as a variety of media platforms. The LA Phil seeks to enrich the lives of individuals and communities through musical, artistic and learning experiences that resonate in our world today.

For information, visit hollywoodbowl.com and laphil.org.