The New York Philharmonic deeply mourns the passing of the magnificent American pianist Leon Fleisher. The collaboration began with his Philharmonic debut in November 1944, when he performed Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 at age 16, and spanned his career as a pianist for the left hand and his return to two-hand performances. By his final Philharmonic appearances in 2008, Fleisher performed with the Orchestra 47 times, led by the preeminent conductors of his time, including Music Directors Szell, Bernstein, Boulez, Mehta, and Maazel. We remember Leon’s warmth, wit, and musicianship, and extend condolences to his family and friends.
(Photo by Chris Lee: Leon Fleisher performing Hindemith’s Piano Music with Orchestra with the New York Philharmonic in 2006)
