The New York Philharmonic, led by Music Director Lorin Maazel, travels to the Far East on Asia 2008, a five-city, eleven-concert tour, February 11–24, 2008, the first under the aegis of Global Sponsor Credit Suisse. The Orchestra begins in the south, with return visits to Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hong Kong, and will make its debut in Shanghai before concluding the tour in performances in Beijing.
All photos by Chris Lee
On to Beijing! With Asia 2008 drawing to a close, the musicians try to fit in as much sightseeing as possible in between press conferences and concerts that feature music by Rossini, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Dvořák, and Brahms, all led by Music Director Lorin Maazel.
During the New York Philharmonic's first-ever stay in Shanghai, the Orchestra imported its Young Composer’s program, and Philharmonic musicians joined local colleagues to mentor 256 teenagers, all of which culminated in a community educational program conducted by Lorin Maazel. Add to this some sightseeing, receptions, and two evening concerts — one featuring Principal Horn Philip Myers — and the result is a whirlwind of activity.
The Orchestra's four music-filled days in Hong Kong feature solo turns by Concertmaster Glenn Dicterow, cellist Alisa Weilerstein, and Principal Oboe Liang Wang. Also on tap: a Young People's Concert, led by the Philharmonic's China-born Associate Conductor Xian Zhang. Then, it's on to Shanghai for the Philharmonic's first visit to the city that some call the "Paris of the Orient."
The Philharmonic moves to Hong Kong, where the schedule includes chamber music, a press conference, and a sold-out concert, featuring Concertmaster Glenn Dicterow.
The days are filled with rehearsals, concerts, and receptions, as well as solo performances by Philharmonic Concertmaster Glenn Dicterow and Principal Horn Philip Myers.
The first stop on Asia 2008 is Taipei, which offers the musicians a little time for rest and sightseeing before a rehearsal and concert at the National Concert Hall, led by Music Director Lorin Maazel.
