MAYOR GIULIANI HELPS CELEBRATE 70th BIRTHDAY OF
NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC MUSIC DIRECTOR KURT MASUR
Proclaims July 18 as "Kurt Masur Day" in New York City
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani tonight took part in ceremonies in Avery Fisher Hall to honor New York Philharmonic Music Director Kurt Masur on his 70th birthday. The Mayor presented Maestro Masur with a proclamation declaring July 18 as Kurt Masur Day in New York City. Taking part in the birthday concert with the New York Philharmonic were violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, baritone Hakan Hagegard and the Royal Opera House Chorus and Orchestra from London.
"It is an honor for me to present this proclamation to one of the greatest artists in the world on the occasion of his 70th birthday," said Mayor Giuliani. "Kurt Masur is truly one of the cultural icons of our time. Under his leadership, the New York Philharmonic has flourished, reaching people in countries around the world, as well as the people of this great City. Maestro Masur has united all of our hearts with the common, beautiful language of music."
Maestro Masur is in his sixth season as Music Director of the Philharmonic. In 1996 he retired from being music director of the Gewandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig, a post he had held since 1970, and was named Conductor Laureater. In 1993, Kurt Masur was named Musician of the Year by Musical America and the New York Philharmonic was honored as Orchestra of the Year at the Classical Music Awards in London.
During his tenure as Musical Director, Maestro Masur successfully launched the Rush Hour Concerts, the Casual Saturdays series, Philharmonic Celebrations, Children's Promenades and Philharmonic Forums. The Philharmonic has also brought back its live, coast-to-coast radio broadcasts and an annual free Memorial Day Concert at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. All of these programs have helped make the Philharmonic more accessible, convenient and affordable to New Yorkers.
In May, Mayor Giuliani named Maestro Masur Cultural Ambassador for New York City as Maestro Masur and the Orchestra embarked on a tour of Puerto Rico and Central and South America. The Maestro continues to be a strong advocate for music education in New York City.
On July 18, classical station WQXR (96.3FM) will fill its programming with favorite recordings by the Maestro. The New York Philharmonic will continue to celebrate Kurt Masur's birthday with a gala concert on September 17, the opening night for the Philharmonic's 1997-98 season.
On Tuesday, July 22 at 8 pm, the New York Philharmonic will begin its two-week long series of free Concerts in the Parks with a concert in Central Park's North Meadow.
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