The New York Philharmonic

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New Concertmaster Frank Huang 'Takes Starch Out of Orchestra Attire' in N.Y. Times

Frank Huang New York Philharmonic

When Frank Huang starts as Concertmaster of the New York Philharmonic in September, if he looks more cool and relaxed than you expect, it may be that his tuxedo shirt stretches and breathes like an Under Armour athletic shirt.

(It may also be that he’s a pretty cool and relaxed guy, especially for such an exceptional talent and technician.)

Huang was featured in a piece in yesterday’s New York Times about Coregami, a new company that offers a men’s tuxedo shirt designed for orchestra musicians (above, at left).

The company was founded by Kevin Yu, a Texas businessman/violinist. Huang, who comes to the Philharmonic from the Houston Symphony, was one of the friends and colleagues to whom Yu gave a prototype.

“Huang said that playing the violin could be an ‘athletic endeavor,’” the article said, “and that it had been good to test out a shirt that had been designed for flexibility and comfort. ‘You can move around as a musician,’ said Mr. Huang.”

See Huang in action when he performs his first solo turn, in R. Strauss's Ein Heldenleben, Sept. 25–26!

Frank Huang Appointed Concertmaster of New York Philharmonic Beginning September 2015

Frank Huang New York Philharmonic

We are very excited to report that Frank Huang has been appointed Concertmaster, The Charles E. Culpeper Chair, of the New York Philharmonic, beginning with the Opening Gala Concert of the 2015–16 season, September 24, 2015. 

Mr. Huang follows Glenn Dicterow, who stepped down from his position at the end of the 2013–14 season after 34 seasons.

“More than any other musician, the concertmaster shapes the persona of an orchestra, and in Frank Huang we have found just the right mix of virtuosity, flair, musicality, and collegiality,” said Music Director Alan Gilbert. “After our very comprehensive search, during which we heard many strong candidates, the musicians of the search committee and I unanimously agreed that Frank would both fit right in to the New York Philharmonic and push it to even greater heights. I am thrilled and proud to be announcing this most important appointment.”

Currently concertmaster of the Houston Symphony, Mr. Huang recently played with the Philharmonic as guest concertmaster in three programs conducted by Alan Gilbert: in October 2014, including works by Bartók, Bruckner, and Mozart; and in the Verdi Requiem in January 2015 (see photo above). Mr. Huang is also an accomplished chamber musician, and serves on the faculty at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University and the University of Houston.

“I am truly honored to be given the opportunity to hold this position once occupied by such giants of the orchestral world as Glenn Dicterow and John Corigliano, Sr.” said Huang. “It is a privilege to join this ensemble of incredibly talented musicians, and my deepest appreciation goes out to Alan Gilbert and the members of the Philharmonic for their belief in me. I look forward to returning to New York City and to making music with the great New York Philharmonic.”

(Photo: Chris Lee)

Glenn Dicterow, A Most Masterful Musician

The longest serving Concertmaster in the New York Philharmonic’s 172 year history

“It has been an amazing 34 years,” Glenn Dicterow said of his departure as Concertmaster. “Every single one has been challenging and inspiring. I feel very much part of the Philharmonic family. It is not going to be easy for me to leave this great Orchestra, which has been part of my life for so long.”  Watch the slide show that captures some of Glenn’s many Philharmonic and family experiences and read the excerpts from the hundreds of reviews over the years.

Read what Glenn has to say about his performances and listen to excerpts in our Online Exhibit.

A Concertmaster's Life

Glenn Dicterow

Glenn Dicterow comes full circle during his farewell season as the Phil's longest-serving Concertmaster: in December he'll be spotlighted in solos from Richard Strauss's Ein Heldenleben (A Hero's Life), one of the first pieces he performed with the Orchestra, on Live From Lincoln Center.

“That’s one way to get one’s feet wet: trial by fire. Strauss must have hated violinists because he wrote the most challenging, impossibly hard licks for the violin. It ends with one of the most heavenly dialogues that Strauss ever wrote for solo violin and horn.”

Movie Music Mash-Up

A Dancer's Dream

On this date in 1926, the film Don Juan, starring John Barrymore, was released, featuring the Philharmonic on the sound track — the first time in history that a symphony orchestra was heard on a movie.

Fast forward to today:

The Phil presents THE ART OF THE SCORE: Film Week at the Philharmonic, September 17–21, with Alec Baldwin as Artistic Advisor

Also in September, the Orchestra will act, juggle, and perform on movie screens worldwide for the screening of the Phil's hit season finale event, A Dancer's Dream: Two Works by Stravinsky.

As for Don Juan, Alan Gilbert will conduct R. Strauss's musical depiction of the rogue in November, with Glenn Dicterow on the concertmaster solos during his Philharmonic farewell season.

PHOTOS: The Return to Vail

The Philharmonic has traded New York for cooler climes: the Bravo! Vail festival in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. The Orchestra has already performed three concerts there, and made time for workshops with Very Young Composers of Vail. Check out photos from the residency thus far.

Photos by Zach Mahone Photography.