Gustavo Dudamel delivered USC’s 143rd commencement ceremony as students cheered

Los Angeles Philharmonic Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel delivered the keynote address on Thursday at USC’s 143rd commencement ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“I congratulate you for the world that lies ahead of you, for growing and making real what you are dreaming right now, sitting there, looking toward the future,” Dudamel said during his address. “From this moment on, you will belong not only to a university, but to a broader community, a city, a country, an entire world stitched together by invisible threads.”

Dudamel, a globally recognized conductor who has led the LA Phil since 2009, was selected for his artistic achievements and community impact, USC officials said.

He told graduates that his experience conducting orchestras around the world taught him that harmony depends on people listening to one another despite their differences. He said modern society is often overwhelmed by “noise” and confusion because too many people want to be heard without listening to others.

“The magic of an orchestra lies in turning noise into harmony. And turning differences into art. We call this balance,” he said.

“Listening is creation. It is what transforms noise into beauty. … And this makes me think of something many people repeat often today, that difference and diversity are a problem. I disagree with that concept. Diversity is not the problem. The problem is not listening to one another,” Dudamel added.

Dudamel described himself as both Venezuelan and an Angeleno, drawing applause when he mentioned being a Lakers fan while speaking about the importance of embracing differences and rejecting division.

“Do not let anyone confuse you. Do not allow anyone to divide you to polarize you. No one,” Dudamel said. “Our differences do not make us enemies. They are what allowed us to create new things, because we need many voices to have an orchestra.”

He later told graduates that orchestras taught him not only the importance of listening to others, but also recognizing and valuing people from different backgrounds and cultures.

“Music is universal. It knows no borders, transcends cultures and religions,” Dudamel said. “And that is what makes it so inspiring.”

Born in Venezuela, Dudamel was trained through El Sistema, a national music education program focused on youth development through orchestral instruction.

“Gustavo  Dudamel has transformed how this city experiences music,” USC President Beong-Soo Kim said in an earlier statement. “He is living proof that joy and excellence are transformative qualities, and that is exactly the message we want to convey as we send our graduates into the world.”

Jason King, dean of the USC Thornton School of Music, said Dudamel’s career reflects the university’s emphasis on artistic collaboration and cultural connection.

“Gustavo Dudamel brings these values to life at the highest level, combining extraordinary artistic achievement with a deep commitment to education, leadership, and the power of culture to unite communities across cultural boundaries,” King said.

Dudamel has served as music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2009 and has conducted performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and venues around the world.

He has also led youth-focused initiatives, including the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles program, which serves students from underserved communities.

He is expected to become music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic later this year.