Silvana Estrada to Bring Latin Music to the Heart of LA Phil

Mexican singer-songwriter Silvana Estrada has been named the first creative director of Latin music at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a new position from which she will help shape artistic programming and give greater space to the musical traditions and voices of Latin America.

Estrada will take up the post in the 2027-28 season and will work across the institution's three venues: the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and The Ford. She will also collaborate with guest artists and remain connected to YOLA, the Philharmonic's music education program, according to the LA Phil announcement.

"Latin music is not a single sound. To me, it is the soul of an entire continent," Estrada said in describing her vision for the role. The artist wants to build bridges between generations and open spaces for musicians who are transforming the way Latin American stories are told.

The appointment is part of a renewal of the Philharmonic's artistic leadership, which will also include composer Thomas Adès as creative director of new music and singer Samara Joy leading jazz programming. The team will work alongside music director Daniel Harding, who will begin his tenure in the 2027-28 season.

Estrada's relationship with LA Phil has deepened over the past three years through performances and collaborations at its venues, including projects with the YOLA youth orchestra.

The institution's president and chief executive, Kim Noltemy, highlighted that the artist shares the Philharmonic's vision of music's power to connect cultures and people, according to Associated Press.

A native of Mexico, Estrada blends independent folk, jazz and influences from traditional Mexican music. Her debut album, Marchita, earned her the Latin Grammy for Best New Artist in 2022, while Vendrán Suaves Lluvias, which she produced herself, was included among Rolling Stone's best Latin albums of 2025 and received six Latin Grammy nominations for 2026, according to the profile published by LA Phil.

With this appointment, Estrada will bring her artistic vision to one of the leading musical institutions in the United States and help ensure that the sounds, stories and diversity of Latin America take center stage in its venues.