Fact Book 2009–10 Season
New York Philharmonic
Ticket Information
The Philharmonic-Symphony Society of New York, Inc.
Online: nyphil.org By phone: (212) 875 – 5656
Alan Gilbert, Music Director
In person: Avery Fisher Hall Box Office For group sales: (212) 875 – 5672
Gary W. Parr, Chairman Zarin Mehta, President and Executive Director
Accessibility Information (212) 875-5380
Avery Fisher Hall 10 Lincoln Center Plaza New York, NY 10023 – 6970 Main Phone: (212) 875 – 5900 Communications
Avery Fisher Hall Box Office Hours Opens 10:00 a.m., Monday through Saturday, noon on Sunday On performance evenings, the Box Office
Phone: (212) 875 – 5700
closes one half-hour past performance time;
Fax: (212) 875 – 5717
on other evenings it closes at 6:00 p.m.,
E-mail: PR@nyphil.org
except Sundays, when it closes at 5:00 p.m.
Photographs are available to the media from Communications, nyphil.org/newsroom.
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The press conference announcing the details of the New York Philharmonic’s 2009–10 season; seated, from left: Philharmonic President Zarin Mehta, Alan Gilbert, and Paul Calello, Chief Executive Officer, Investment Bank, Credit Suisse
Contents
2 2009 –1 0 Season: A New Era Begins Stats
20 Learning Insights Series
Alan Gilbert: The Big Picture
Annual Erich Leinsdorf Lecture
Initiatives and Artistic Partners
Leonard Bernstein Scholar-in-Residence
Appearances Around the Globe
Pre-Concert Talks
Premieres
Offstage at Barnes & Noble For All Ages
8 2009 –1 0 Season: Continuing Traditions
In the Schools
22 Premieres and Commissions
One and Onlys Philharmonic Musicians in Solo Turns
2009–10 Season Notable 21st Century
10 The Baton
Notable 20th Century
Alan Gilbert’s Season Highlights
Notable 19th Century
Conductors Past and Present
24 The Legacy 14 The Players
The Story Historic Highlights
16 Chamber Music 28 Behind the Scenes 17 Media
Archives Volunteer Council
Broadcasts Podcasts nyphil.org iPhone app
18 Leadership Music Director Chairman President and Executive Director
Beginning with the 2009–10 season Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic launch a new era, embracing both the established and the innovative. Their aspirations are supported and bolstered by the Orchestra’s unprecedented partnership with Credit Suisse, its exclusive Global Sponsor. This unique collaboration unites two longstanding institutions that share historic commitments to excellence and creativity. The Philharmonic and Credit Suisse are continuing to break new ground with a year of new artistic partnerships, world premieres, and continentspanning tours that will bring the music of the Orchestra to new audiences, from Hanoi to Abu Dhabi. For more information about Credit Suisse, please go to www.credit-suisse.com.
2009 – 10 Season: A New Era Begins
Stats Subscription Concerts
Chamber Music Concerts
31 Weeks
6 Philharmonic Ensembles at Merkin Concert Hall
111 Concerts, including
2 Metropolitan Museum of Art
12 Friday Matinees
1 CUNY–Staten Island
4 Saturday Matinees
9 Very Young People’s Concerts at Merkin Concert Hall
4 Young People’s Concerts 3 Rush Hour Concerts
Non-Subscription Events
The Orchestra
4 CONTACT concerts
106 contracted musicians
2 Tours
48 men
1 Residency
47 women
Summertime Classics (schedule to be announced) Concerts in the Parks and Free Indoor Concerts, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer (schedule to be announced) 7 Regional concerts 28 Open rehearsals
Conductors 1 Music Director 1 Assistant Conductor 15 Guests, including 1 debut
Guest Artists 53 Soloists, including 25 debuts 5 Ensembles 2 Directors
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Alan Gilbert
11 vacancies 52-week contract
Alan Gilbert: The Big Picture The 2009–10 season introduces Alan Gilbert’s vision for the Philharmonic, one that both builds on its rich legacy and looks to the future. It features works that reflect the diversity of his interests: his idea of the Orchestra as a place that both celebrates the greatest of the classical repertoire and nurtures today's composers and tomorrow’s music; his belief in the importance of artistic collaboration; his commitment to raising audience awareness and understanding of music; and his interest in making the Philharmonic a destination for all.
“It’s hard to overstate what becoming Music Director of the New York Philharmonic means to me,” Mr. Gilbert says. “This institution has defined music and orchestras in my mind. I’m looking forward to making the Philharmonic part of many people’s lives and a point of civic pride for the city. With my background as a New Yorker and my personal experience with the Orchestra, I look forward to making this happen.”
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Douglas Fitch, Thomas Hampson, Alan Gilbert, and Magnus Lindberg
2009 – 10 Season: A New Era Begins Initiatives and Artistic Partners
The Marie-Josée Kravis Composer-in-Residence Magnus Lindberg
Thomas Hampson
CONTACT The New-Music Series Magnus Lindberg
The Finnish composer begins a two-year appointment during which he will write music for the Philharmonic, conduct, give pre-concert talks, and participate in adult and youth educational programs. Mr. Lindberg will also have a curatorial and conducting role with CONTACT, the Philharmonic’s new-music series (see Premieres, page 7, for details). His works and other activities include: September 16: EXPO, World Premiere — New York Philharmonic Commission September 30 – October 1 and 3: EXPO, reprised Asian Horizons tour, October 8 – 24: EXPO December 17 and 19: CONTACT, conductor February 13: Clarinet Concerto, U.S. Premiere, at Carnegie Hall March 6: Feria, on Young People’s Concert June 10 –1 2 and 15: Arena 4
June 23 – 24 and 26: New work, World Premiere– New York Philharmonic Commission
Artist-in-Residence Thomas Hampson The Philharmonic’s first Artist-in-Residence, a oneyear appointment, is baritone Thomas Hampson, a passionate artist, educator, communicator, and music advocate. He performs as soloist in three concert programs, in recital, on the Orchestra’s European tour, and in the CONTACT series. Mr. Hampson is also the 2009–10 Leonard Bernstein Scholar-in-Residence at the New York Philharmonic (see Learning, page 20, for details). November 5 – 7 and 10: Zemlinsky Lyric Symphony December 31: New Year’s Eve, broadcast on Live From Lincoln Center January 14 – 16: John Adams The Wound-Dresser European tour, January 21 – February 4: John Adams The Wound-Dresser April 11: Recital at Alice Tully Hall April 16 – 17: New work, World Premiere–New York Philharmonic Commission, by Matthias Pintscher, on CONTACT concert
The Russian Stravinsky: A Philharmonic Festival Conducted by Valery Gergiev
Alan Gilbert and Alec Baldwin
Radio Host Alec Baldwin
Valery Gergiev Stravinsky Stravinsky
Screen and stage actor Alec Baldwin, who received the 2008 Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his starring role in the television series 30 Rock, will host The New York Philharmonic This Week, the Philharmonic’s national radio broadcast (see Media, page 17). The Philharmonic is introducing an annual three-week festival based on a major programmatic theme led by a prominent guest conductor. Valery Gergiev is leading the first festival, The Russian Stravinsky, which explores how Stravinsky’s Russian roots informed his works, through chamber music concerts, roundtable discussions, and orchestral performances. April 21 – May 8, with participation by the Mariinsky Theatre Chorus and soloists 5
2009 – 10 Season: A New Era Begins Appearances Around the Globe
Asian Horizons October 8–24
In his first months as Music Director, Alan Gilbert will lead the New York Philharmonic on a tour that spans the breadth of Asia, takes the Orchestra to Vietnam for the first time for performances at the Hanoi Opera House, and witnesses a debut in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. The tour will also take the musicians to Tokyo, Japan; Seoul, Korea; and Singapore. Pianist Emanuel Ax and violinists Frank Peter Zimmermann and Ye-Eun Choi (Philharmonic debut) will be the featured soloists. Asian Horizons marks the fourth New York Philharmonic concert tour under the aegis of Credit Suisse, the Orchestra’s Global Sponsor, and the second in Asia.
European Tour
January 21–February 4 Alan Gilbert’s first European tour with the Philharmonic will comprise 13 concerts in 5 countries. The Orchestra will perform in 9 cities: Barcelona, Zaragoza, and Madrid, Spain; Zurich, Switzerland; Frankfurt, Cologne, and Dortmund, Germany; Paris, France; and London, England. The soloists for the tour will be baritone Thomas Hampson, the Philharmonic’s Artist-in-Residence, and pianist Yefim Bronfman. This will be the second European tour with Credit Suisse, Global Sponsor of the New York Philharmonic.
U.S. Travel Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic will also appear around their extended neighborhood, at Caramoor’s first-ever Fall Festival, in Katonah, N.Y. (October 2); Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, N.Y. (January 9); Carnegie Hall (February 13); The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, in the Annual Free Memorial Day Concert (May 31); and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, N.J. (June 25). Riccardo Muti, a popular guest, will conduct the Orchestra at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (November 20) and at Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (November 21). The Philharmonic will return to Colorado for the Orchestra’s eighth annual residency at the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival (July; details to be announced).
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2009 – 10 Season: A New Era Begins Premieres
World Premieres
U.S. Premiere
New York Premiere
The 2009–10 season features two World Premiere–New York Philharmonic Commissions by The Marie-Josée Kravis Composer-in-Residence Magnus Lindberg, both conducted by Music Director Alan Gilbert. (See Composer-in-Residence, page 4.) The Philharmonic has also commissioned a new piece by Christopher Rouse, titled Zhizn, which will receive its World Premiere on February 10 –1 2 and 16, also conducted by Mr. Gilbert. The New York Philharmonic’s new-music series, CONTACT, offers World Premiere — New York Philharmonic Commissions in two programs, with the first performance of each at Symphony Space, and the second at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The December 17 –1 8 program, conducted by Magnus Lindberg, includes works by Marc – André Dalbavie, Lei Liang, Arlene Sierra, and Arthur Kampela. The April 16 –1 7 program, conducted by Alan Gilbert, includes works by Sean Shepherd, Nico Muhly, and Matthias Pintscher.
Alan Gilbert conducts the U.S. Premiere of Magnus Lindberg’s Clarinet Concerto (2002) on February 13, at Carnegie Hall. The work was composed for Finnish clarinetist Kari Kriikku, who is making his Philharmonic debut in this performance.
The Philharmonic gives the New York Premiere of György Ligeti’s Le Grand Macabre (1975 – 77, rev. 1996) on May 27 – 29. The semi-staged production will be led by Alan Gilbert and directed by multimedia artist, designer, and director Douglas Fitch. The performers include soprano Barbara Hannigan, tenor Mark Schowalter, and bass-baritone Eric Owens.
Marc – André Dalbavie
Lei Liang
Arlene Sierra
Arthur Kampela
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Sean Shepherd
Nico Muhly
2009 – 10 Season: Continuing Traditions One and Onlys
The Alan Gilbert era begins on the morning of September 16, with a Free Open Rehearsal for the Opening Night Concert. Conducted by Music Director Alan Gilbert, with soprano Renée Fleming, the performance reaches the country through a Live From Lincoln Center broadcast, and is simulcast locally on 96.3 FM WQXR. The program features the World Premiere of Magnus Lindberg’s EXPO, Messiaen’s Poèmes pour Mi, and Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique. On December 13 the New York Philharmonic Principal Brass is joined by The West Point Band Brass & Percussion, Lt. Col. Timothy J. Holtan commander/ conductor, for the annual Holiday Brass concert, and the festive season concludes on New Year’s Eve, with an all-American concert conducted by Alan Gilbert, featuring Thomas Hampson, the Artist-inResidence, singing works by Copland, Gershwin, and others. Summer begins unofficially on May 31 with the Annual Free Memorial Day Concert, conducted by Alan Gilbert, at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue, and continues with Summertime Classics, post-season concerts of lighter fare, led by Bramwell Tovey, in June – July. The season concludes with the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks and Free Indoor Concerts, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer.
Counterclockwise from top: The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine; Bramwell Tovey; Opening Day on the plaza at Lincoln Center
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2009 – 10 Season: Continuing Traditions Philharmonic Musicians in Solo Turns
For his first season at the Philharmonic, Alan Gilbert has invited musicians from the Orchestra to appear in solo roles: Principal Trumpet Philip Smith in Honegger’s Symphony No. 2, for String Orchestra and Trumpet, November 27–28; Concertmaster Glenn Dicterow and Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps in Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante for Violin and Viola, December 10–12; Principal Oboe Liang Wang,
Acting Principal Clarinet Mark Nuccio, Principal Bassoon Judith LeClair, and Principal Horn Philip Myers in Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, and Horn, February 10–12 and 16, and March 3; Principal Cello Carter Brey in Boccherini’s Cello Concerto in D major, G.479, April 14–17; and organist Kent Tritle in Saint-Saëns’s Symphony No. 3, Organ, June 3–5.
Philip Smith
Glenn Dicterow
Cynthia Phelps
Liang Wang
Mark Nuccio
Judith LeClair
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Philip Myers
Carter Brey
Kent Tritle
The Baton Alan Gilbert’s 2009–10 Season Highlights
At Home HK Gruber’s Aerial and works by
Free Open Rehearsal, Opening Night Gala Concert
Mozart and Wagner
and Plaza-cast
June 17–19
September 16, Live From Lincoln Beethoven’s Missa solemnis
Center telecast, simulcast on 96.3
and Magnus Lindberg's second
FM WQXR
World Premiere–New York Philharmonic Commission
Mahler’s Symphony No. 3
June 23 – 24 and 26
September 17–18 and 22
Around the Globe
Schoenberg’s Pelleas and
Asian Horizons
Melisande September 24 – 26
October 8 – 24
Magnus Lindberg’s EXPO
2010 European tour
(World Premiere–New York
January 21– February 4
Philharmonic Commission) September 30, October 1 and 3
Area Concerts Caramoor Center for Music
New Year’s Eve Concert December 31, Live From Lincoln
and the Arts October 2
Center telecast Tilles Center for the Performing Christopher Rouse’s Zhizn
Arts, Long Island University
(World Premiere–New York
January 9
Philharmonic Commission) February 10 –1 2 and 16
Carnegie Hall (program includes U.S. Premiere of Magnus Lindberg’s
CONTACT: New-Music Series, all World Premieres
Clarinet Concerto) February 13
April 16 –1 7 Annual Free Memorial Day Ligeti’s Le Grand Macabre May 27– 29
Concert The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine May 31 New Jersey Performing Arts Center
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June 25
The Baton Conductors Past and Present 2009–10 Season Guest Conductors
Daniel Boico
Kurt Masur
Riccardo Muti
Daniel Boico** Sir Andrew Davis Christoph von Dohnányi Christoph Eschenbach Valery Gergiev Neeme Järvi Jeffrey Kahane Magnus Lindberg* Kurt Masur Riccardo Muti Antonio Pappano Helmut Rilling David Robertson Esa-Pekka Salonen Bramwell Tovey Xian Zhang
David Robertson
Esa-Pekka Salonen
Xian Zhang
* Philharmonic Debut ** Philharmonic Assistant Conductor
Former Music Directors and Advisors* 2002–2009 1991–2002 1978 –1 991 1971 –1 977 1969 –1 970 1958 –1 969 1949 –1 958 1949 –1 950 1947 –1 949 1943 –1 947 1936 –1 941 1928 –1 936 1922 –1 930 1911 –1 923 1909 –1 911 1906 –1 909 1902 –1 903 1891 –1 902 1891 –1 898 1877 –1 891 1876 –1 877 1855 –1 876 1848 –1 865 1842 – 1847
Lorin Maazel Kurt Masur Music Director Emeritus Zubin Mehta Pierre Boulez George Szell Leonard Bernstein 1969–1990, Laureate Conductor Dimitri Mitropoulos Leopold Stokowski Bruno Walter Artur Rodzin´ski John Barbirolli Arturo Toscanini Willem Mengelberg Josef Stransky Gustav Mahler Wassily Safonoff Walter Damrosch** Emil Paur Anton Seidl Theodore Thomas Leopold Damrosch** Carl Bergmann Theodore Eisfeld Ureli Corelli Hill
* In some years there was no designee for these positions ** Conducted the New York Symphony Society, founded by Leopold Damrosch in 1877, which merged with the New York Philharmonic in 1928
Lorin Maazel
Leonard Bernstein
Arturo Toscanini
Willem Mengelberg
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Theodore Thomas
Ureli Corelli Hill
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Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic in Central Park, July 14, 2009
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The Players Alan Gilbert Music Director Daniel Boico Assistant Conductor Leonard Bernstein Laureate Conductor, 1943–1990 Kurt Masur Music Director Emeritus
Violins Glenn Dicterow Concertmaster The Charles E. Culpeper Chair Sheryl Staples Principal Associate Concertmaster The Elizabeth G. Beinecke Chair Michelle Kim Assistant Concertmaster The William Petschek Family Chair Enrico Di Cecco Carol Webb Yoko Takebe
Minyoung Chang Hae-Young Ham The Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. George Chair Lisa GiHae Kim Kuan-Cheng Lu Newton Mansfield Kerry McDermott Anna Rabinova Charles Rex The Shirley Bacot Shamel Chair Fiona Simon Sharon Yamada Elizabeth Zeltser Yulia Ziskel Marc Ginsberg Principal Lisa Kim* In Memory of Laura Mitchell Soohyun Kwon The Joan and Joel I. Picket Chair Duoming Ba Marilyn Dubow The Sue and Eugene Mercy, Jr. Chair Martin Eshelman Quan Ge Judith Ginsberg Myung-Hi Kim+ Hanna Lachert Hyunju Lee Daniel Reed Mark Schmoockler Na Sun Vladimir Tsypin
Violas Cynthia Phelps Principal The Mr. and Mrs. Frederick P. Rose Chair Rebecca Young* Irene Breslaw** The Norma and Lloyd Chazen Chair Dorian Rence Katherine Greene The Mr. and Mrs. William J. McDonough Chair Dawn Hannay Vivek Kamath Peter Kenote Barry Lehr Kenneth Mirkin Judith Nelson Robert Rinehart The Mr. and Mrs. G. Chris Andersen Chair
Cellos Carter Brey Principal The Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Chair Eileen Moon* The Paul and Diane Guenther Chair Qiang Tu The Shirley and Jon Brodsky Foundation Chair Evangeline Benedetti Eric Bartlett The Mr. and Mrs. James E. Buckman Chair Elizabeth Dyson Maria Kitsopoulos Sumire Kudo Ru-Pei Yeh Wei Yu
Basses Eugene Levinson Principal The Redfield D. Beckwith Chair Orin O’Brien Acting Associate Principal The Herbert M. Citrin Chair
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William Blossom The Ludmila S. and Carl B. Hess Chair Randall Butler David J. Grossman Satoshi Okamoto
Flutes Robert Langevin Principal The Lila Acheson Wallace Chair Sandra Church* RenĂŠe Siebert Mindy Kaufman
Contrabassoon Arlen Fast
Horns Philip Myers Principal The Ruth F. and Alan J. Broder Chair Erik Ralske Acting Associate Principal R. Allen Spanjer Howard Wall
Trumpets Philip Smith Principal The Paula Levin Chair Matthew Muckey* Ethan Bensdorf Thomas V. Smith
Keyboard
Trombones
Harpsichord Lionel Party
Thomas Stacy The Joan and Joel Smilow Chair
Joseph Alessi Principal The Gurnee F. and Marjorie L. Hart Chair Amanda Stewart* David Finlayson The Donna and Benjamin M. Rosen Chair
Clarinets
Bass Trombone
Organ
Mark Nuccio Acting Principal The Edna and W. Van Alan Clark Chair Pascual Martinez Forteza Acting Associate Principal The Honey M. Kurtz Family Chair Alucia Scalzo++ Amy Zoloto++
James Markey
Kent Tritle
Tuba
Librarians
Alan Baer Principal
Timpani
Lawrence Tarlow Principal Sandra Pearson** Sara Griffin**
Markus Rhoten Principal The Carlos Moseley Chair
Orchestra Personnel Manager
E-Flat Clarinet
Percussion
Pascual Martinez Forteza
Christopher S. Lamb Principal The Constance R. Hoguet Friends of the Philharmonic Chair Daniel Druckman* The Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Ulrich Chair
Piccolo Mindy Kaufman
Oboes Liang Wang Principal The Alice Tully Chair Sherry Sylar* Robert Botti
English Horn
Bass Clarinet Amy Zoloto++
Bassoons Judith LeClair Principal The Pels Family Chair Kim Laskowski* Roger Nye Arlen Fast
Harp Nancy Allen Principal The Mr. and Mrs. William T. Knight III Chair
* Associate Principal ** Associate Principal + On Leave ++ Replacement/Extra
In Memory of Paul Jacobs
Piano The Karen and Richard S. LeFrak Chair Harriet Wingreen Jonathan Feldman
Carl R. Schiebler
Stage Representative Louis J. Patalano
Audio Director Lawrence Rock
Honorary Members of the Society Pierre Boulez Stanley Drucker Lorin Maazel Zubin Mehta Carlos Moseley The New York Philharmonic uses the revolving seating method for section string players who are listed alphabetically in the roster.
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Chamber Music
Throughout the year, from public venues in New York City to embassies around the world, the musicians of the New York Philharmonic show their versatility and virtuosity in the intimate setting of chamber concerts.
New York Philharmonic Ensembles Now in its 27th season, this chamber-music series features Musicians from the Orchestra in a series of six Sunday afternoon concerts at Merkin Concert Hall that begin at 3:00 p.m.
Three of the Philharmonic’s four 2009–10 season Saturday Matinee Concerts open with ambitious chamber-music works, the final one showing another side of its new Music Director as he trades in his baton for his viola. November 28, February 27, June 12
CUNY–Staten Island
November 15, December 13, January 10, February 21,
New York Philharmonic musicians return for the fourth year, this time performing an all-Mozart program.
March 14, and May 16
November 16 and 17
Metropolitan Museum of Art For the third consecutive year Philharmonic musicians join noted pianists for chamber music at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. January 17, Yefim Bronfman; May 9, Alexei Volodin
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Saturday Matinee Chamber Music
Media
The Philharmonic has long been a media pioneer, making its first commercial recording in 1917. It was the first major orchestra to give a national radio broadcast, in 1922, and it inspired a nation of music lovers in the 1950s and ’60s through the televised Young People’s Concerts. The advances, using emerging media, continue today.
Broadcasts The New York Philharmonic This Week Screen and stage actor Alec Baldwin will host the sixth season of the Philharmonic’s national radio broadcast. The 52-week national radio series is syndicated by Chicago’s WFMT Radio Network to 290 stations. The two-hour programs include interviews with Philharmonic musicians and guest artists, and airs in the New York metropolitan area on 93.9 FM WNYC. There will be a special installment of the series, of the performance in Hanoi. Live From Lincoln Center The 2009–10 schedule will include the broadcast, on PBS, of Opening Night (September 16) and New Year’s Eve (December 31), both conducted by Alan Gilbert.
Podcasts Winner of the 2009 Silver World Medal from the New York Festivals for Radio Programming & Promotion, this free series previews upcoming concerts with interviews and illustrative musical excerpts. The producer/hosts are Elliott Forrest and Mark Travis. The New York Philharmonic Podcast can be downloaded from nyphil.org/podcasts or directly from iTunes.
nyphil.org The Orchestra’s Website now wears a brand-new look, developed by HUGE, reflecting the new identity created by Pentagram. New features include Pick Your Own Seat (ticket buyers can select their seats and get a view from the section they are interested in) and Print At Home Tickets (online customers can print their own tickets rather than wait in line at the Box Office). Also new is the New York Philharmonic’s Performance History Search — a resource that has been made available online for the first time. The extensive database, at nyphil.org/carlos, contains all of the Philharmonic’s concerts, beginning with the very first — on December 7, 1842 — as well as artists and repertoire, all of which can be searched by date, season, location, or event type. Included are the large-scale concerts as well as special events, tours, and chamber-music performances. Popular features on the Website remain, including the ability to read interviews with musicians; listen to music; view photo albums of the Orchestra’s tours and special activities; read about the Orchestra’s history; order and exchange tickets in real time; donate tickets (subscribers only); access complete program notes; play on Kidzone (nyphilkids.org); listen to archived radio broadcasts and downloads; purchase Philharmonic CDs and gift items; support the Orchestra, and more.
iPhone app In 2009 the New York Philharmonic became the first orchestra to have its own Apple iPhone application (app). The app, free and available at the iTunes app store, provides easy access to information about the Philharmonic, including concert listings, links to purchase tickets and to access program notes, reviews, audio clips, podcasts, and the Philharmonic’s Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and Twitter channels. 17
Leadership
Alan Gilbert Music Director Gary W. Parr Chairman Zarin Mehta President and Executive Director
Alan Gilbert
Alan Gilbert begins his tenure as Music Director of
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the New York Philharmonic with the 2009–10 season, the first native New Yorker to hold the post. For his inaugural season he has introduced a number of new initiatives and partners: Composer-in-Residence Magnus Lindberg; Artist-in-Residence Thomas Hampson; an annual three-week festival; and CONTACT, the New York Philharmonic’s new-music series. He also leads the Orchestra on a major tour of Asia in October 2009, with debuts in Hanoi and Abu Dhabi; a European tour in January – February 2010; and performances of world, U.S., and New York premieres. Also in the 2009–10 season Mr. Gilbert becomes the first to hold the William Schuman Chair in Musical Studies at The Juilliard School, a position that will include coaching, conducting, and performance master classes. Highlights of Mr. Gilbert’s 2008 – 09 season with the New York Philharmonic included concerts as part of the citywide Leonard Bernstein festival; the World Premiere of Peter Lieberson’s The World in Flower, a New York Philharmonic Commission; the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks and Free Indoor Concerts, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, Sponsored by Target and MetLife Foundation; and appearances at the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival in Colorado.
In June 2008 Mr. Gilbert was named conductor laureate of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, following his final concert as its chief conductor and artistic advisor. He has been principal guest conductor of Hamburg’s NDR Symphony Orchestra since 2004, and regularly conducts other leading orchestras around the world. In 2003 he was named the first music director of Santa Fe Opera, where he served for three seasons. Mr. Gilbert studied at Harvard University, The Curtis Institute of Music, and The Juilliard School. In November 2008 he made his acclaimed Metropolitan Opera debut conducting John Adams’s Dr. Atomic.
Gary W. Parr, who becomes Chairman of the New York Philharmonic in September 2009, is a deputy chairman of Lazard, and for more than 25 years has provided strategic advice to financial institutions worldwide. Prior to joining Lazard, he served in numerous capacities at Morgan Stanley, including as vice-chairman — Institutional Securities; chairman and head of the Global Financial Institutions Group; and co-head of the Global Mergers and Acquisitions Department. Previously, he was co-president of Wasserstein Perella. In his position at Lazard, Mr. Parr has advised on transactions such as the sale of Lehman’s North
American investment banking business to Barclay’s; the sale of Bear Stearns to JPMorgan; the Board of Fannie Mae in the U.S.-led restructuring; Mitsubishi’s UFJ’s investment in Morgan Stanley; Kuwait’s investment in Citigroup; China Investment Corp.’s investment in Morgan Stanley; the merger of Bank of New York and Mellon; JPMorgan’s acquisition of Bank One; New York Stock Exchange’s merger with Archipelago; Temasak’s purchase of the Khoo stake in Standard Chartered Bank; MBIA’s equity capital raising from Warburg Pincus; Mitsubishi Tokyo’s acquisition of UFJ Holdings; and the merger of Lincoln Financial and Jefferson Pilot. Gary W. Parr currently serves as chairman of the Parr Center for Ethics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is chairman of the board of Venetian Heritage. He is on the boards of The Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Mingya (China). He graduated with honors, Phi Beta Kappa, and Beta Gamma Sigma from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and received an M.B.A. from Northwestern University.
Zarin Mehta, one of the world’s leading arts administrators, was appointed Executive Director of the New York Philharmonic in September 2000 and received the additional title of President in June 2004. Mr. Mehta has continually sought to enrich and broaden the musical experience of Philharmonic audiences by fostering an active commissioning program and instituting innovative series of lectures and discussions. He has overseen major international Orchestra tours in Asia and
throughout Europe, helping to make the Philharmonic a worldwide cultural ambassador, as exemplified in the historic February 2008 concert in Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Also under Mr. Mehta’s aegis, the Philharmonic welcomed its firstever Global Sponsor, Credit Suisse. Mr. Mehta has maintained the Philharmonic’s preeminent position in New York City’s cultural life through the free Annual Memorial Day Concerts at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine and the beloved summer series now known as the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer. He has made outreach to young people a priority, continuing the famed Young People’s Concerts and expanding the Orchestra’s extensive educational activities, including introducing the Very Young People’s Concerts for children ages three to six. Mr. Mehta has embraced newer methods of disseminating performances — the Internet, satellite broadcasts, MP3s — by championing important new digital initiatives, enhancing the Philharmonic's outreach and audience development efforts. Zarin Mehta was born in Bombay in 1938. He is the son of the late violinist and Bombay Symphony Orchestra founder, Mehli Mehta, and the brother of the New York Philharmonic’s former Music Director Zubin Mehta.
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Gary W. Parr
Zarin Mehta
Learning
Insights Series These events, which feature both lecture and performance, delve into major works and themes of the current season. Listening to Thought: Vienna’s Paradigm Shift Thomas Hampson, speaker and baritone Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, Lincoln Center November 2, 6:30 p.m.
Listening to Thought: A Guide to German Romanticism Thomas Hampson, speaker and baritone Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse, Lincoln Center April 5, 6:30 p.m.
Stravinsky’s Russian-American Odyssey Joseph Horowitz, curator and host; Valery Gergiev, guest speaker; pianists from The Juilliard School; Musicians from the New York Philharmonic. Gilder Lehrman Hall, The Morgan Library and Museum May 1, 11:00 a.m.
Ligeti’s Le Grand Macabre A conversation with Music Director Alan Gilbert, director Douglas Fitch, and others Location tba May 11, 6:30 p.m.
Annual Erich Leinsdorf Lecture Listening to Thought: Awakening of the American Voice Thomas Hampson, speaker and baritone Walter Reade Theater, Lincoln Center January 11, 6:30 p.m.
Leonard Bernstein Scholar-in-Residence Baritone Thomas Hampson presents two Insights Series events and the Annual Erich Leinsdorf Lecture in this role, which complements his position as the New York Philharmonic’s Artist-in-Residence (see page 4 for details).
Pre-Concert Talks Insightful one-hour previews precede every subscription concert, given by scholars, composers, and musicians.
New York Philharmonic Offstage at Barnes & Noble Performers converse about music and their lives, at Barnes & Noble, 66th Street and Broadway. Free. Schedule to be announced.
For All Ages Very Young People’s Concerts (ages 3 – 6) This season’s theme: “Vivaldi and Friends.” The activities include games, stories, and hands-on music-making with Philharmonic musicians. At Merkin Concert Hall. February 28, 12:30 and 3:00 p.m.; March 1, 10:30 a.m. — “Winter” April 11, 12:30 and 3:00 p.m.; April 19, 10:30 a.m. — “Spring” May 9, 12:30 and 3:00 p.m.; May 10, 10:30 a.m. — “Summer”
Young People’s Concerts (ages 6 –1 2) This season’s theme: Points of Entry. Each 2:00 p.m. concert is preceded by Kidzone Live!, an interactive music fair that begins at 12:45 p.m. All the concerts will be led by Assistant Conductor Daniel Boico and hosted by Director of Education Theodore Wiprud. November 7 — Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra December 12 — Debussy’s La Mer
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March 6 — Magnus Lindberg’s Feria March 27 — Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, Jupiter
Musical Encounters (elementary through high school) These events include a visit to an Open Rehearsal and a workshop at Avery Fisher Hall, and are crafted for both classes and ensembles. Philharmonic Mentors (grades 6 –1 2) Philharmonic musicians coach middle and high school ensembles. Interdisciplinary units of study are offered for social studies, English, and music classes. Workshops for Visiting Ensembles (high school and college groups) Philharmonic musicians help to hone skills in sectionals, master classes, clinics, and pre- and post-concert discussions. Teaching Artist Richard Mannoia at P.S. 165, Manhattan
In the Schools School Day Concerts (grades 3 –1 2) For the first time a Philharmonic Music Director — Alan Gilbert — will lead the six Philharmonic concerts at Avery Fisher Hall. These concerts, exclusively for school groups, are supported with curricular materials, recordings, and workshops for teachers. School Partnership Program (grades 3 – 5) Philharmonic Teaching Artists partner with classroom teachers to deliver a three-year curriculum to 3,500 students in 15 New York City public schools. Older students can participate in Very Young Composers, an after-school program that enables students to compose music to be performed by Philharmonic musicians.
Conservatory Collaborations Following rehearsals, Conductors’ Tables and Composers’ Tables bring together conservatory students and graduates with renowned guest artists. Through The Composer’s Studio, Composer-inResidence Magnus Lindberg will work with graduatelevel composers at Columbia University. Teacher Training Professional development sessions, including concerts and symposia on musical education, are offered to public school teachers. Learning Overtures This program brings educators and musicians together to share practices and ideas internationally. The initiative will return to Japan and South Korea during the Asian Horizons tour in October 2009 (see page 6). Kidzone The award-winning interactive Website (nyphilkids.org) offers sound clips, games, and information about instruments, composers, and Philharmonic musicians.
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Premieres and Commissions
Magnus Lindberg
Matthias Pintscher
Christopher Rouse
Ligeti
2009–10 Season Magnus Lindberg: EXPO •+ (September– October 2009) Magnus Lindberg: Clarinet Concerto* (February 2010) Christopher Rouse: Zhizn •+ (February 2010) Ligeti: Le Grand Macabre** (May 2010) Also, on CONTACT: works by Marc-André Dalbavie, Lei Liang, Arthur Kampela, and Arlene Sierra (December 2009) •+, and Nico Muhly, Matthias Pintscher, and Sean Shepherd (April 2010) •+
Notable 21st Century
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Peter Lieberson: The World in Flower (2009) •+ Steven Stucky: Rhapsodies for Orchestra (2008) •++ Bernard Rands: CHAINS LIKE THE SEA (2008) •+ Marc Neikrug: Quintessence: Symphony No. 2 (2008) •+ Daniel Börtz: Parodos (2007)* Esa-Pekka Salonen: Piano Concerto (2007) •+ Melinda Wagner: Trombone Concerto (2007) •+ Hans Werner Henze: Sebastian im Traum (2006)*++ Kaija Saariaho: Adriana Songs (2006)*++ John Harbison: Miłosz Songs for Soprano and Orchestra (2006) •+ Colin Matthews: Berceuse for Dresden (2005) •* Mark-Anthony Turnage: Scherzoid (2005) •+
Augusta Read Thomas: Gathering Paradise, Emily Dickinson Settings for Soprano and Orchestra (2004) •+ John Adams: Easter Eve 1945 (2004) •+ Henri Dutilleux: Sur le même accord (Nocturne for Violin and Orchestra) (2004)* Stephen Hartke: Symphony No. 3 (2003) •+ Foss: Concertino, Passacaglia, Bachanalia, Passacaglia (2003) •+ Siegfried Matthus: Concerto for Two (2003) •+ Bright Sheng: The Song and Dance of Tears (Tone Poem for Pipa, Sheng, Cello, Piano, and Orchestra) (2003) •+ Poul Ruders: Listening Earth (2003)* John Adams: On the Transmigration of Souls •+ (2002) Rodion Shchedrin: The Enchanted Wanderer (2002) •+
Notable 20th Century Sofia Gubaidulina: Two Paths, Music for Two Violas and Orchestra (1999) •+ Tan Dun: Concerto for Water Percussion and Orchestra (1999) •+ Wynton Marsalis: All Rise (1999) •+ Ellen Taaffe Zwilich: Symphony No. 3 (1993) •+ Messiaen: Éclairs sur l’au-delà... (1993) •+
Messiaen
Stravinsky
Steve Reich: Tehillim (“Psalms”) (1982) • Pierre Boulez: Notations, I–IV (1980)* Druckman: Concerto for Viola and Orchestra (1978) •+ John Corigliano: Clarinet Concerto (1977) •+ George Crumb: Star-Child (1977) • Elliott Carter: Concerto for Orchestra (1970) •+ Bernstein: Chichester Psalms (1965) • Copland: Connotations for Orchestra (1962) •+ Bernstein: Symphonic Dances from West Side Story (1961) • Foss: Time Cycle (1960) • Schoenberg: Erwartung (1951)* Ives: Symphony No. 2 (1951) • Mahler: Symphony No. 6 (1947)* Stravinsky: Symphony in Three Movements (1946) • Bartók: Music for Strings, Percussion, and Celesta (1937)*St Hindemith: Mathis der Maler Symphony (1934)*u Ravel: Boléro (1929)* Gershwin: An American in Paris (1928) • Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F (1925) • Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 3 (1909) • Mahler: Symphony No. 2 (1908)* Mahler: Symphony No. 4 (1904)*
Tchaikovsky
Ives
Notable 19th Century Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, Pathétique (1894)* Dvorˇák: Symphony No. 9, From the New World (1893) • R. Strauss: Death and Transfiguration (1892)* Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto (1889)* Brahms: Symphony No. 4 (1886)* Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 2 (1881) • Wagner: Die Walküre, Act I (1876)* Tchaikovsky: Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy (1876)* Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique (1866)* Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (1846)* Beethoven: Symphony No. 8 (1844)* Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 (1843)*
+ New York Philharmonic Commission ++ New York Philharmonic Co-Commission • World Premiere * U.S. Premiere ** New York Premiere For a complete list visit nyphil.org/aboutus
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The Legacy
The Story
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Founded in 1842, the New York Philharmonic is the oldest symphony orchestra in the United States and one of the oldest in the world. Since its inception, the Philharmonic has played a leading role in American musical life, championing the new music of its time and commissioning or premiering many important works, from Dvorˇák’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World (1893), and Gershwin’s An American in Paris (1928) to John Adams’s Pulitzer Prize–winning On the Transmigration of Souls (2002) and Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Piano Concerto (2007). Alan Gilbert becomes Music Director in the 2009–10 season, succeeding Lorin Maazel in a distinguished line of musical giants that has included Kurt Masur, Zubin Mehta, Leonard Bernstein, Gustav Mahler, Bruno Walter, and Arturo Toscanini. During the last century the Philharmonic has become renowned around the globe, having appeared in 425 cities in 59 countries on 5 continents. In February 2008 the Philharmonic made a historic visit to Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea — the first performance there by an American orchestra and an event that was watched around the world and for which the Philharmonic received the 2008 Common Ground Award for Cultural Diplomacy. Long a media pioneer, the Orchestra began radio broadcasts in 1922 and is currently represented by The New York Philharmonic This Week, syndicated nationally 52 weeks per year, streamed on the Orchestra’s Website, nyphil.org, and carried on Sirius XM Radio. On television, in the 1950s and ’60s, the Philharmonic inspired a generation of music lovers through Leonard Bernstein’s Young People’s Concerts, telecast on CBS, and its presence on television has continued with annual appearances on Live From Lincoln Center, which began with that series’ inaugural episode in 1976. The Internet has expanded the Orchestra’s reach, and in 2006 the Philharmonic became the first major American orchestra to offer downloadable concerts, recorded live, which are available on the DG Concerts label, exclusively on iTunes. Credit Suisse is the exclusive Global Sponsor of the New York Philharmonic.
Historic Highlights 2009: Lorin Maazel concludes his seven-year tenure as Music Director; Principal Clarinet Stanley Drucker retires after 60 years with the Philharmonic, achieving a Guinness World Record. 2009: Philharmonic becomes the first orchestra with its own iPhone app. 2008: New York Philharmonic travels to Pyongyang, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, for a 48-hour visit that includes a historic concert led by Lorin Maazel — an event watched around the world. 2007: Alan Gilbert is named Lorin Maazel’s successor as the New York Philharmonic’s Music Director, beginning in September 2009. 2007: Credit Suisse becomes the first-ever and exclusive Global Sponsor of the New York Philharmonic, creating an unprecedented level of corporate support for the Orchestra.
2006: Philharmonic becomes the first American orchestra to offer live concert downloads exclusively through iTunes. 2005: Philharmonic’s live recording of John Adams’s On the Transmigration of Souls receives three Grammy Awards, including Best Classical Album.
1999: Orchestra premieres six “Messages for the Millennium,” all commissioned by Kurt Masur and the Philharmonic to celebrate the new millennium. 1998: Philharmonic performs for the first time in The Great Hall of the People, Beijing, China.
2004: Philharmonic performs its 14,000th concert, a milestone unmatched by any other orchestra in the world, setting a Guinness World Record.
1992: Philharmonic’s 150th Anniversary is celebrated at a concert with the three living Music Directors on the podium: Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta, and Kurt Masur.
2004: Philharmonic launches a 39-week concert broadcast series, The New York Philharmonic This Week; in 2006 the series expands to 52 weeks per year.
1992: Kurt Masur conducts the Orchestra’s first Free Memorial Day Concert at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine.
1990: The Philharmonic and numerous soloists, conductors, and members of other orchestras perform a memorial concert at Carnegie Hall in tribute to Leonard Bernstein; on the program is his Candide Overture, played — without a conductor, for the first time — in his memory. Opposite: The announcement of Alan Gilbert as Music Director, 2007 Below: The first Opening Night at Lincoln Center, 1962
2003: Philharmonic receives the Trustees Award from The Recording Academy and is the first major symphony orchestra to perform as a headliner on the Grammy Awards telecast. 2001: Within a month of 9/11, Philharmonic musicians start giving chamber concerts in lower Manhattan for those who work and live near Ground Zero.
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The Legacy (continued)
1986: Philharmonic, led by Zubin Mehta, plays to the largest audience ever to attend a classical music concert — 800,000 people, in Central Park on July 5 — to mark the Statue of Liberty’s centennial. 1982: Zubin Mehta conducts the Philharmonic at the White House in honor of Indira Gandhi.
1976: Philharmonic performs on the first Live From Lincoln Center telecast.
1959: Philharmonic embarks on its first tour to the Soviet Union, Leonard Bernstein conducting.
1965: Orchestra inaugurates free summer parks concerts in Central Park.
1957: Leonard Bernstein conducts the first televised Young People’s Concert.
1964: Philharmonic becomes the first orchestra in the U.S. to work under a 52-week contract.
1950: Philharmonic makes its first television appearance.
1962: Philharmonic opens Lincoln Center in its new home, then named Philharmonic Hall; it was renamed Avery Fisher Hall in 1973.
1948: Philharmonic releases first-ever Lp recording — Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto — with Bruno Walter, conductor, Nathan Milstein, violin.
1961: Orchestra makes its first tour to Japan, Leonard Bernstein conducting, Seiji Ozawa assistant.
1930: Philharmonic is the first symphony orchestra to perform a coast-to-coast radio broadcast. 1928: New York Symphony and New York Philharmonic merge to become The PhilharmonicSymphony Society of New York, Inc. 1924: Conductor Ernest Schelling begins the long-running series of Philharmonic Young People’s Concerts.
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1922: Philharmonic is heard over the radio, the first broadcast by a major symphony orchestra; program conducted by Willem van Hoogstraten at Lewisohn Stadium.
Opposite: Conductor Ernest Schelling at a Philharmonic Young People’s Concert Above: Gustav Mahler on the streets in New York City Below: The Apollo Rooms, the first home of the New York Philharmonic
1913: Philharmonic becomes the first American symphony orchestra to establish an endowment, through a bequest from the publisher Joseph Pulitzer. 1909: Philharmonic becomes a modern orchestra funded by prominent New Yorkers, led by Mary Seney Sheldon; they hire Gustav Mahler. 1901: Andrew Carnegie is elected President of the Philharmonic. 1872: Philharmonic inducts Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner as Honorary Members. 1865: Philharmonic performs Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in memory of Abraham Lincoln. 1842: First concert by New York Philharmonic is given on December 7 at the Apollo Rooms on lower Broadway. 1842: Philharmonic Society of New York founded on April 2 as a cooperative; American Ureli Corelli Hill elected first President. 27
Behind the Scenes
Archives
Volunteer Council
The Archives, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, is a repository for more than 160 years of Philharmonic history — including the papers, scores, and records of its illustrious music directors — and one of the most important orchestral collections in the world. The vast Performance History is now available online for the first time (see Media, page 17). In addition, each year the Philharmonic presents a number of archival exhibitions in Avery Fisher Hall’s Bruno Walter Gallery. This season’s exhibitions:
The New York Philharmonic Volunteer Council, now in its 30th season, has more than 200 members and 20 different committees. The council serves the New York Philharmonic in diverse areas, including assisting the Orchestra and staff, participating in special events and educational activities, fundraising through the Gift Kiosk, encouraging member-ship support at the Friends Table (located on the Grand Promenade of Avery Fisher Hall during concerts and Open Rehearsals), and organizing silent auctions. In addition, volunteers are on duty at each concert to host the Patron Lounge.
Mahler’s Only Orchestra: The Centennial of Gustav Mahler’s First Season with the New York Philharmonic (September 12 – December 2009) The Glory of the Archives: The 25th Anniversary of the Founding of the Philharmonic’s Archives (December 2009 – March 2010) Stravinsky at the Philharmonic (April – May 2010) 28
The Woman Behind the Modern Philharmonic (June – August 2010)
Top, from left: A score of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 bearing notations by Mahler and Toscanini; Stravinsky in the Green Room following a Philharmonic performance Opposite: Alan Gilbert
Fact Book 2009 Edited and Produced by New York Philharmonic Communications Eric Latzky, Vice President, Communications Monica Parks, Director of Publications Lucy Kraus, Senior Publications Editor Katie Klenn, Public Relations Assistant All photos by Chris Lee except p. 4 Hampson by Jane Richey, Gergiev by Marco Borggreve (Decca), and Stravinsky courtesy New York Philharmonic Archives; p. 7 Dalbavie by Robert Mastroianni, Lei Liang by Carl Cao, Sierra by Ian Philips-McLaren, Kampela by Christopher Moore, Shepherd by Anita Gardner, and Muhly by Peter Ross; p. 8 Cathedral by Michael DiVito; p. 9 Phelps by Christian Steiner; p. 11 Maazel by Andrew Garn, and Bernstein, Toscanini, Mengelberg, Thomas, and Hill courtesy New York Philharmonic Archives; p. 16 by Michael DiVito; p. 18 Hayley Sparks; p. 21 by Michael DiVito; p. 22 Lindberg by Hanya Chlala (ArenaPAL), Rouse by Jeffrey Herman, Pintscher by Andrea Medici Baci, and Ligeti by HJ Kropp (Schott Promotion); pp. 23 – 26: courtesy New York Philharmonic Archives. Design: Pure+Applied
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