Contact: Colleen Roche/Brenda Pérez (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today issued a proclamation commemorating the New York Philharmonic's 13,000th concert. Under the baton of Maestro Kurt Masur, tonight's concert -- the orchestra's 13,000th performance -- features Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, with Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Larmore and Tenor Richard Leech, and Menotti's Violin Concerto, with Philharmonic Concertmaster Glenn Dicterow.
"As it celebrates its 13,000th concert, the New York Philharmonic remains loyal to its musical legacy and versatility," Mayor Giuliani said. "Many of the world's finest music directors, principal conductors and musicians have graced the stage at Avery Fisher Music Hall and have brought the Philharmonic unprecedented success. Its continually expanding repertoire and its allegiance to classical and romantic favorites have earned the New York Philharmonic the world's admiration.
"The Philharmonic's free summer parks concerts and its treasure trove of recordings and broadcasts have rewarded New York's classical music lovers by bringing beautiful music right into our homes and neighborhoods," the Mayor concluded.
The list of distinguished music directors and principal conductors of the orchestra has included: Ureli Corelli Hill, Zubin Mehta, Mahler, Willem Mengelberg, Arturo Toscanini, Bruno Walter, Leopold Stokowski and Dimitri Mitropolous.