In a pretty stunning announcement today, the New York Philharmonic has hired 40-year old conductor Alan Gilbert as its next music director. In a unique twist, he’s also the son of two members (one current, one former) of the august ensemble!
In Mr. Gilbert the Philharmonic has a true son of the orchestra and of New York. He grew up on the Upper West Side, attending the Ethical Culture School and Fieldston, a private school in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. He attended Philharmonic concerts weekly as well as rehearsals, and accompanied his parents on tours. He was known as the child handing out passports. Many members have watched him grow up.
I got a very excited email about this from some friends who live in NYC, and I can see why. This marks a sea change in what’s been going on at the Phil – with septuagenarian Lorin Maazel the programming has been stolid and conservative (do we really need another Brahms festival???) – having a younger hand at the helm might lead to some more innovative programming.
Gilbert’s name came up in our search, but I believe that he withdrew his name from consideration. Clearly he had bigger fish to fry!
Read the complete story here.