High-flying British conductor and part-time pilot lands top job with US orchestra

British conductor Daniel Harding has been appointed as the next music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, succeeding renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel in 2027. Harding, 50, is known not only for his distinguished career in classical music but also for his unique role as a part-time commercial airline pilot for Air France. Born in Oxford, Harding’s career began under the mentorship of Sir Simon Rattle and has since included leadership roles with major orchestras in Rome, Paris, and Stockholm, as well as a decade as principal guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra. Harding’s appointment has been met with high praise from key figures in the classical music world. Esa-Pekka Salonen, the LA Philharmonic’s creative director, described Harding as “one of the most important conductors of our time,” while chairman Jason Subotky highlighted his widely recognized conducting genius. Dudamel expressed admiration for Harding’s artistry and his strong connection with the LA Philharmonic musicians, with whom Harding has previously collaborated. Harding himself expressed enthusiasm about joining the orchestra, emphasizing the unique institutional charisma the LA Phil has developed and his excitement for future creative possibilities. Harding’s musical journey began at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester and was accelerated when he sent a tape to Sir Simon Rattle as a teenager, leading to an early assistantship. By age 21, Harding was conducting the Berlin Philharmonic and became the youngest conductor in the history of the BBC Proms. He co-founded the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and won a Grammy Award in 2010 for best opera recording. His leadership roles have included the Orchestre de Paris, the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome, and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his musical career, Harding took up flying after turning 40 and now pilots Airbus aircraft for Air France on medium-haul routes across Europe and North Africa, balancing this with his conducting schedule. He has noted the contrasting demands of flying and music, highlighting the precision required in aviation and the emotional risk-taking in conducting. His move to Los Angeles marks a significant new chapter, joining a select group of British conductors leading major American orchestras.