Gustavo Dudamel first visited New York when he was 14.

He jumped on the giant keyboard at FAO Schwarz.

Three decades later, he has come back as music director of the New York Philharmonic.

He is now 45 and took over last week.

Before that, he led the Los Angeles Philharmonic for 17 seasons.

He is the 27th man to head the New York orchestra.

Dudamel grew up in Venezuela’s El Sistema music education program.

In 1995, he played violin with the National Children’s Symphony of Venezuela at the United Nations.

He remembered seeing the Twin Towers and the Statue of Liberty.

Then he was taken to the toy store.

He said it felt like paradise.

His opening concert was at Radio City Music Hall on Sept. 10.

It featured Lizzo, St. Vincent, Joaquina and Aaron Tveit.

Host Liev Schreiber said Dudamel was hard to describe.

The next day, Dudamel performed at a 9/11 remembrance event.

He said music cannot undo what happened.

But he said it can give sorrow a voice.

Subscription concerts began this week with Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony.

He conducted this piece for his Philharmonic debut in 2007.

Oboist Sherry Sylar said his chemistry and passion are infectious.

Ticket revenue is up 8% over last year.

September seats sold are up 20%.

Dudamel has a five-year contract.

He will spend about 15 weeks with the orchestra each season.