Honoring Excellence in Literature, the Arts, and Public Thought
Established in 1915 in memory of Henry Elias Howland, the Howland Prize is awarded to a citizen of any country in recognition of some achievement of marked distinction in the field of literature, the fine arts, or the science of government, with special consideration to “the idealistic element in the recipient’s work.” The prize is administered by the Yale MacMillan Center on behalf of the President.
Howland, a member of the Yale class of 1850, remained actively connected with Yale, serving as president of the Yale Alumni Association of New York (later the Yale Club) as well as a member of the Yale Corporation (Board of Trustees).
Gustavo Dudamel, 2026 Howland Memorial Prize Awardee
President Maurie McInnis will bestow the Howland prize to renowned conductor, Gustavo Dudamel in November 2026.
Maestro Dudamel is committed to creating a better world through music. His unwavering belief in the power of art to inspire and transform lives has fueled his unifying presence on and off the podium, his commitment to education and access for underserved communities around the world, and his mission to expand the impact of classical music to new and ever-larger audiences. His rise, from humble beginnings as a child in Venezuela to an unparalleled career of artistic and social achievements, offers living proof that culture can bring meaning to the life of an individual and greater harmony to the world at large. He currently serves as the Music & Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela, and in 2026, he becomes the Music & Artistic Director of the New York Philharmonic, continuing a legacy that includes Gustav Mahler, Arturo Toscanini, and Leonard Bernstein.
Throughout 2025, Dudamel celebrated the 50th anniversary of El Sistema, honoring the global impact of José Antonio Abreu's visionary education program across five generations, and acknowledging the vital importance of arts education. Celebrations with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra included a European tour to Paris, London, Luxembourg, Berlin, Munich, Brussels, and Madrid; a residency in London that saw Dudamel and the orchestra opening for Coldplay at Wembley Stadium and performing at the Royal Festival Hall; and a series of recording releases on the Platoon label, including the orchestra's Grammy-nominated recording of Boléro.
Public Programming Schedule
Empowerment through Music
Monday, November 16, 5 p.m.
Yale Schwarzman Center Underground
500 College Street, New Haven, CT
A fireside conversation with Gustavo Dudamel and David Lang, followed by a performance by students from Yale's Music In Schools Initiative. Free and open to the public. Registration required. Refreshments will be served.
Music Access for All
Tuesday, November 17, 6:30 p.m.
Panel discussion livestream begins at 8:30 p.m.
Sprague Hall
470 College Street, New Haven, CT
A screening of El Canto de las Manos followed by a panel discussion with Gustavo Dudamel and Yale faculty to be moderated by DJ Kurs, Artistic Director of Deaf West Theater. Free and open to the public. Registration required
Henry E. Howland Memorial Prize Presentation and Yale Philharmonia Performance
Thursday, November 19, 7:30 p.m.
Woolsey Hall
500 College Street, New Haven, CT
Featuring Gustavo Dudamel and Grete Pedersen. Open to the public.
