Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet Comes Alive, New Release

Deutsche Grammophon and the Los Angeles Philharmonic (LA Phil) have unveiled a definitive new digital album that captures the full orchestral magic of Sergei Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet ballet. The release arrived on February 13, 2026 and celebrates Gustavo Dudamel’s 17‑year tenure as the LA Phil’s Music & Artistic Director, an era marked by bold programming, sweeping outreach, and an unrelenting belief in the power of music to transform lives.

A Two‑Part Celebration

This recording is one of a pair of commercial releases that honor Dudamel’s remarkable decade and a half with the LA Phil. The other disc focuses on the LA Phil’s flagship symphonic repertoire, while this one spotlights the ballet’s full orchestral score, an expansive, evocative journey that is now freely accessible on all major streaming platforms.

The Composer and the Score

Sergei Prokofiev, a towering figure in 20th‑century music, crafted the ballet’s music with a blend of lyrical warmth and stark drama. As a romantic composer, Prokofiev’s Romeo & Juliet remains a staple of the ballet canon, its themes resonating with audiences for over a century. Under Dudamel’s baton, the LA Phil brings the score to life with a shimmering, kinetic clarity that feels both historic and fresh.

Gustavo Dudamel: A Maestro With a Mission

Gustavo Dudamel is more than a conductor; he is a social architect whose vision for music extends beyond the concert hall. From his humble beginnings in Barquisimeto, Venezuela, to leading the LA Phil, the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, and soon the New York Phil, Dudamel has made classical music accessible to millions through education programs, community outreach, and high‑profile collaborations with pop icons.

His 17‑year spell with the LA Phil saw the orchestra earn a reputation as “the most important orchestra in America” (NYT) and a pioneering commitment to contemporary repertoire, including premieres by Ellen Reid, John Adams, and Roberto Sierra. In 2025, Dudamel celebrated the 50th anniversary of El Sistema, a testament to his belief that music can heal, unite, and inspire.

As he steps into his role as Music & Artistic Director of the New York Phil in 2026/27, Dudamel’s influence will expand further, but this digital album serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy he has built at the LA Phil; a legacy that redefines how the world experiences classical music.

Listen, Relive, and Celebrate

Don’t miss the chance to hear Prokofiev’s score, performed by the LA Phil under Dudamel’s dynamic direction, now available as a high‑quality digital album on all major streaming services. It’s a celebration of artistry, leadership, and the timeless stories that dance between the pages of a composer’s score.