PHOTOS: Gustavo Dudamel and the L.A. Philharmonic inaugural gala

Gustavo Dudamel gestures toward the Los Angeles Philharmonic as the dressed-to-the-nines audience at the gala concert registers its approval.  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Gustavo Dudamel throws himself into his conducting during his inaugural performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall as new music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Gustavo Dudamel shows his appreciation for the audience’s enthusiastic response.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Gustavo Dudamel, left, joins hands with John Adams after the world premiere of of the acclaimed composer’s “City Noir,” which was commissioned by the L.A. Philharmonic.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Confetti rains down at the conclusion of the concert by Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Multiple screens set up at the Music Center plaza show Gustavo Dudamel conducting the L.A. Philharmonic across the street at Disney Hall.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

As City Hall glows in the background, Howard Lee and his daughter Karah take in conductor Gustavo Dudamel’s performance via video screen at the Music Center plaza.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

A couple in the Music Center Plaza are silhouetted against video screens showing flutists in the L.A. Philharmonic playing under Gustavo Dudamel at Disney Hall.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

The red carpet awaits the arrival of stars coming to hear Gustavo Dudamel conduct his first concert at Disney Hall as music director of the L.A. Philharmonic.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Director William Friedkin and former Paramount Pictures Chairwoman Sherry Lansing arrive at Disney Hall for the gala concert.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Husband-and-wife actors Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett arrive at Disney Hall.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Producer Quincy Jones and Ginny Mancini are among those attending the gala concert conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Hors d’oeuvres are served to VIPs in the Founders Room at Disney Hall at the concert helmed by new Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director Gustavo Dudamel.  (Christina House / For The Times)

VIPs mingle in the Founders Room at Disney Hall before the L.A. Philharmonic performs under the baton of its new leader, Gustavo Dudamel.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Alyce Williamson, center, chats with Joni Smith, right, in the Founders Room at Disney Hall.  (Christina House / For The Times)

The dress of actress Constance Towers, right, is an eye-catcher at Disney Hall.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Concertgoers hurry to their seats to hear Gustavo Dudamel conduct the L.A. Philharmonic.  (Christina House / For The Times)