New York Philharmonic Does The Right Thing! Chooses Musically Progressive American Classical Conductor To Lead Classical Culture Into Complex Future

"The New York Philharmonic reached into its family tree and plucked Alan Gilbert, the 40-year-old son of two Philharmonic musicians, as its next music director, making him the first native New Yorker in the position and a rare American in the job.

Philharmonic officials also said they would appoint an elder statesman, Riccardo Muti, 65, to serve in a supporting role equivalent to principal guest conductor.

The decisions, to be formally announced at a news conference today, ended several years of speculation about who would succeed Lorin Maazel, who has two seasons left on his contract.

Mr. Gilbert, who started an annual two-week stint as guest conductor last season, had long been a likely candidate. Orchestra officials said he appeared to be a front-runner at least a year ago, and that the decision crystallized in the spring." ...

Daniel J. Wakin "The Philharmonic Picks New Music Director" New York Times July 18, 2007













Alan Gilbert is tapped to lead the New York Philharmonic as America's restored cultural capital transitions beyond America's second Gilded Age.

Photo credit: (c) Jennifer Taylor for the New York Times. All rights reserved. With thanks.