December 3, 2025

Gustavo Dudamel to lead the Vienna Philharmonic at 2026 Salzburg Festival

On December 3, 2025, the Salzburg Festival announced its programming for the 2026 season. Gustavo Dudamel returns to conduct the Vienna Philharmonic in two performances of Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” by Gustav Mahler. The concerts take place July 24 and July 26 at the Großes Festspielhaus as part of the Festival’s Ouverture spirituelle series, which in 2026 explores themes of repentance, renewal, and transcendence under the title Miserere.

Mahler’s monumental Second Symphony, one of the composer’s most profound explorations of mortality and spiritual rebirth, stands at the center of this year’s opening concert programming. Dudamel’s appearances continue his long-standing relationship with the Vienna Philharmonic and the Salzburg Festival, where he has led landmark symphonic and operatic performances in recent seasons.

Learn more about the performances at the Salzburg Festival's website.