ETM-LA Students Make Their Hollywood Bowl Debut: “Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl”
LOS ANGELES, CA – On August 20th, 2026, Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA) partner school students made their Hollywood Bowl debut as part of Celebrating Gustavo at the Bowl, honoring Gustavo Dudamel‘s 17 years of transforming Los Angeles’ classical music culture as the LA Philharmonic’s Music & Artistic Director.
ETM-LA’s Orff Ensemble performed “Hymns of the Heart” by Academy Award-Winning Composer Michael Giacchino (Disney’s The Incredibles, Coco, Up, Ratatouille) and lyrics by Poet Amanda Gorman (The Hill We Climb, Change Sings). Performing alongside the LosAngeles Philharmonic and Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, our young artists shone brilliantly in this World Premiere by Giacchino to approximately 17,000 audience members.
Victoria Lanier, Executive Director of ETM-LA, shared, “I am so proud of our young students who journeyed from the classroom to the world stage with such confidence and professionalism. Getting to participate and perform for this historic event celebrating Gustavo Dudamel was life-changing. It showcased the power of musical learning for our youth and united Los Angeles communities of all ages with such profound joy, connection, and significance.”
“Hymns of the Heart” speaks of the power of connection and unity to move our communities forward, fitting for a night that brought professional musicians and young students together to share the same stage. Giacchino, who was commissioned to write the piece specifically to spotlight local young musicians alongside the LA Phil, reflected on what it meant to hear students bring his music to life: “[Having students involved] is what music is all about – this idea of spreading joy throughout the world. This is a reminder that even as adults we have to be able to embrace joy the way we did when we were kids, and never forget how to do that.”
Leading up to this once-in-a-lifetime evening, dedicated ETM-LA music faculty and parents came together to help students meticulously prepare for their Hollywood Bowl debut. With excitement and nerves backstage, 5th Grader Stella confided: “It’s my first time [ever] at the Hollywood Bowl. I don’t think a lot of people get to say, ‘I performed at the Hollywood Bowl, so I’m really stoked about that. I’m also a little bit nervous because there’s a lot of great people there.”
The evening’s full concert lineup also featured bassist Abraham Laboriel, Sr., percussionist Alex Acuña, soprano Hera Park, mezzo-soprano Tamara Mumford, tenor David Portillo, bass-baritone Ryan Speedo Green, members of YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), and the Los Angeles Master Chorale
This milestone is a celebration not just for ETM-LA, but also for under-resourced communities being uplifted, for young musicians and the opportunity to showcase their talents, and for music education becoming more equitable and accessible. Giacchino captured the deep significance of this performance: “Watching young musicians take the stage at the Hollywood Bowl reminds all of us why arts education matters and why investing in the next generation of creators is so important.”
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Education Through Music-Los Angeles is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide and promote music in under-resourced schools as part of the core curriculum for every child in order to enhance students’ academic achievement, creativity, and overall development.
For more information: www.etmla.org