Gustavo Dudamel & the LA Phil Bring Cynthia Erivo, Dave Grohl, & More to Coachella Set

In a festival known for its electrifying performances across all genres, Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic delivered a show that was nothing short of spectacular, completely redefining what a Coachella set can be. The crowd, already high on desert dust and music, was treated to an experience that was equal parts emotional, powerful, and awe-inspiring.

Bringing the entire LA Philharmonic out to the desert was an unprecedented move, and one that perfectly encapsulated Coachella's mission to break down boundaries in music. What unfolded on stage was a magnificent fusion of classical music and contemporary star power, creating a performance that felt both timeless and utterly groundbreaking. The sheer scale of the event, from the massive orchestra to the soaring vocals, transformed the iconic Coachella setting into something far more grandiose than anyone could have anticipated.

The crowd's energy was palpable from the first note, and as the musicians’ instruments filled the air with sweeping soundscapes, the audience responded with rapturous applause and excitement. But the performance didn’t stop there. Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic had a few surprises up their sleeve, and it wasn’t long before guest artists Natasha Bedingfield, Cynthia Erivo, and Dave Grohl joined the orchestra on stage, each bringing their own magic to the evening.

Bedingfield’s and Grohl’s appearances were greeted with cheers, and when Cynthia Erivo closed the set with a soul-stirring cover of Prince’s "Purple Rain", it felt like the ultimate moment of the night. Her rendition was a fitting tribute to the late icon and brought the entire crowd to their feet, as the desert sky above seemed to open up to the song’s emotional grandeur. Erivo’s voice, paired with the LA Philharmonic’s lush instrumentation, elevated the performance to the level of a spiritual experience, reminding everyone in the audience why music has the power to transcend.

This was a show that no one expected but absolutely everyone needed — a truly unique spectacle that pushed the boundaries of what we’ve come to expect from Coachella. From the powerhouse collaboration of musicians to the spellbinding atmosphere, Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic proved that classical music still has a place in the modern festival scene. The performance was a perfect example of how music, in all its forms, can bring people together, creating a lasting, unforgettable memory for all those lucky enough to witness it.

Photos Courtesy of Coachella