On June 26, 2025, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) unveiled its newly constructed David Geffen Galleries with an unforgettable event that fused music, art, and architecture in a groundbreaking way. Renowned jazz saxophonist and composer Kamasi Washington, celebrated for his expansive and genre-blurring sound, led an ensemble of over 100 musicians in a stunning performance that captivated audiences. The event marked a significant milestone for LACMA and is being hailed as one of the most innovative cultural programs in the city’s history. The performance of Harmonies of Difference, a composition that explores themes of unity and contrast, was presented in LACMA’s new galleries, which were designed by acclaimed architect Peter Zumthor.
The Fusion of Music and Architecture
This event was not just a concert, but an immersive, multi-sensory experience that blurred the lines between visual art and music. Kamasi Washington’s ensemble, which featured many of his longtime collaborators from Los Angeles, performed in a variety of locations within the new David Geffen Galleries. The gallery spaces, with their clean lines, open architecture, and innovative acoustics, were transformed into a dynamic soundscape. Musicians were dispersed throughout the expansive 110,000 square feet of exhibition space, allowing the sound to resonate in different ways and giving the audience the chance to experience the music in an entirely new dimension.
LACMA’s new galleries, which officially opened earlier in 2025, are part of a larger project that reimagines the museum’s role as a cultural hub. The event underscored the potential of Zumthor’s architecture to engage not just with visual arts, but with performance-based art forms like music. Kamasi Washington’s ambitious performance was the perfect complement to this new vision. The interaction between Washington’s soulful, boundary-pushing compositions and the museum’s architecture created an atmosphere of both introspection and celebration, offering visitors a unique and profound artistic experience.
Kamasi Washington: The Visionary Musician
Kamasi Washington, known for his work with artists such as Kendrick Lamar and his groundbreaking albums like The Epic and Heaven and Earth, has long been celebrated for his ability to push the boundaries of jazz and incorporate elements of funk, soul, and classical music. Washington’s performances have garnered global acclaim, and he has been instrumental in reviving interest in jazz among younger generations. His work is often described as a fusion of traditional jazz elements with modern, politically charged messages, and his ability to blend genres has made him a favorite within the international music community.
In Harmonies of Difference, Washington creates a soundscape that reflects both the tensions and synergies found within the diverse cultural fabric of Los Angeles. The composition addresses themes of division and unity, exploring how contrasting forces can come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts. This aligns with LACMA’s own mission to showcase diverse perspectives and facilitate cross-cultural dialogue. For LACMA, hosting such an event with an artist as influential as Washington is a bold statement of its commitment to presenting dynamic and relevant works that reflect both historical and contemporary issues.
The Role of LACMA in Cultural Innovation
This event also serves as a testament to LACMA’s role as a cultural leader not only in Los Angeles but in the broader global art scene. With its innovative programming and commitment to presenting complex and interdisciplinary works, LACMA continues to redefine the traditional museum experience. The museum’s partnership with Kamasi Washington is indicative of the institution’s desire to connect with a broader audience and push the boundaries of what a museum can be.
The Harmonies of Difference performance was designed as part of a larger initiative to showcase the intersections between visual art, music, and architecture. LACMA’s leadership sees this as part of a cultural shift that will redefine how the public engages with museums. Rather than simply serving as repositories for objects, museums like LACMA are transforming into dynamic spaces that foster live interaction and collaborative experiences. This shift reflects the growing demand for institutions that are not only places of education but active participants in the cultural dialogue of today.
The success of this performance signals a growing trend of cross-disciplinary collaborations in the arts. As museums and cultural institutions continue to rethink their role in society, they are increasingly embracing the idea that art should not be confined to a single medium or genre. LACMA’s commitment to embracing this future is seen as an invitation for other institutions to explore similar avenues, engaging artists, musicians, architects, and curators in groundbreaking collaborations.
The Future of Cultural Programming at LACMA
Looking ahead, LACMA is poised to continue its commitment to presenting bold, multi-dimensional cultural programming. Following the success of Harmonies of Difference, the museum is already planning more events that will integrate music, dance, and other live art forms into their exhibitions. The museum is also committed to engaging local artists and musicians in these programs, fostering an environment that values collaboration and the celebration of diverse cultural voices.
As LACMA continues to host ambitious events like Kamasi Washington’s Harmonies of Difference, it sets a new standard for museums worldwide, positioning them not just as places to view art but as living, breathing hubs for the exchange of ideas and experiences. For Washington, LACMA provides the perfect platform to present his bold, genre-bending music to a global audience. And for Los Angeles, this event is a testament to the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving cultural landscape.
The LACMA performance not only marked a historic moment for the museum but also for the cultural fabric of Los Angeles. As the city continues to establish itself as a global hub for artistic innovation, it is clear that the future of museums and cultural institutions lies in their ability to create dynamic and inclusive spaces that reflect the diverse voices of our time.
