The New York Philharmonic

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PHOTOS: Second Michigan Performance Residency

The New York Philharmonic went west this weekend — to Ann Arbor for its second residency with the University Musical Society (UMS) of the University of Michigan (U-M) in conjunction with the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Music Director Designate Jaap van Zweden led Mahler; Leonard Slatkin led Bernstein featuring Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons; U-M students got the chance to perform with Philharmonic musicians; the Philharmonic presented lectures and master classes; and all saluted composer-conductor-former Music Director Leonard Bernstein in his centennial year.

N.Y. Philharmonic Salutes University Musical Society President Kenneth Fischer

Kenneth Fischer University Musical Society New York Philharmonic

The New York Philharmonic salutes Kenneth Fischer, who, it was just announced, will retire as President of the University of Michigan's University Musical Society (UMS) at the end of the 2016–17 season.

Mr. Fischer’s 30-year tenure at the helm of one of the nation’s oldest performing arts presenters has been marked by countless performances of the highest caliber and strong artistic partnerships, including regular appearances by the New York Philharmonic and a new multi-year residency launched in the fall of 2015 in conjunction with the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (the photo above is from the launch of this residency, in October 2015). Mr. Fischer’s enduring contributions have enriched both the Ann Arbor community and the nation at large.  

“All of us at the New York Philharmonic congratulate Ken on his long and incredibly accomplished tenure as President of UMS,” said New York Philharmonic President Matthew VanBesien. “Not only has the Philharmonic been a regular visitor to Ann Arbor since it came for the first time with Josef Stransky under the Choral Union Series in 1916, but Ken has been a leader in evolving our relationship with UMS to create our unique and rich residency partnership, launched this past October, which includes both performances and a wide array of educational opportunities. Ken is truly an icon in the field of arts presenters, and has been a wonderful partner and friend to the Philharmonic. On a personal level, I can’t help but be proud to call him a colleague and a friend, as well as a fellow horn player and Interlochen alum! We look forward to another season of partnership with Ken and UMS, and to many years of friendship.”

Music Director Alan Gilbert said, “Ken Fischer’s tenure in Ann Arbor has reflected his love of music and commitment to bringing the best artists and programs to his community. Our partnership with the University Musical Society, created under Ken’s guidance, is exactly the kind of collaborative venture that I believe the New York Philharmonic should be pursuing.”

(Photo: Chris Lee)

PHOTOS: Inaugural Michigan Performance Residency

This weekend the New York Philharmonic went back to school — to teach, perform, and even take to the gridiron. The Orchestra trekked to Ann Arbor for the kick-off of its five-year partnership with the University Musical Society of the University of Michigan, in conjunction with the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, which will bring the Philharmonic to this buzzing college town for performance residencies and immersive education activities. It was homecoming weekend, so in addition to playing three concerts, Philharmonic musicians performed in The Big House, the largest stadium in the United States, with the Michigan Marching Band, chorus, and alumni, led by Music Director Alan Gilbert. Go Blue!

The Michigan Residency Has Begun!

UMS SMTD

The New York Philharmonic is in The (Big) House.

This afternoon Music Director Alan Gilbert and the Philharmonic brass rehearsed in Michigan Stadium, as The Big House is formally known, for their part in tomorrow's halftime show during the Homecoming game against Northwestern. They'll play the national anthem before the game and perform with the Michigan Marching Band in the halftime show. 

The 1,000-musician halftime show is one facet of the Philharmonic’s inaugural residency as part of its five-year partnership with the University Musical Society (UMS) and University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD). 

Last evening Gilbert kicked off the residency with a keynote address, "Orchestras in the 21st Century: A New Paradigm," which was followed by a side-by-side chamber concert with Philharmonic musicians and SMTD students. This afternoon, President Matthew VanBesien delivered a lecture at University of Michigan's Ross School of Business titled "21st Century Orchestras and Social Impact" that was streamed live. Watch it here.

Tonight is the first of three orchestral performances. To hear Gilbert describe what we're up to in Ann Arbor this weekend, enjoy this brief radio interview.

And: Principal Horn Philip Myers holds court with @umichsmtd @umsnews students and Phil fans after tonight’s side-by-side concert. 
#philfans #frenchhorn #horn #philmyers #ums #umich #nyphil #residency

On the Cover: Blake Hinson

Star Wars or Star Trek? 

A. Star Wars

B. Star Trek

C. Neither

D. AAooooo….Noooo  (read: cannot compute, decision not possible)

If your answer was D, you and October’s On the Cover musician, Philharmonic double bassist Blake Hinson, can relate.

Get to know Blake through his video Q&A above.

You’ll also see Blake in action, behind the scenes, in another Instagram Tuesday Takeover. Bass nerds, Blake will blow your mind with his GoPro video of Rehearsal 9 of Ein Heldenleben.

Tune in to the Philharmonic’s Spotify account and jam along with Blake’s mixtape. See below.

Follow us on FacebookInstagramTwitterTumblr, and YouTube to get the full On the Cover experience! See all the On the Cover posts here.

Learn more about Blake Hinson.

Alan Gilbert, Philharmonic Brass to Join U-Mich Marching Band as Part of October Residency

UMS SMTD

“The outlook for high steps, flag-waving and chiropractor-defying back bends is unclear,” reports The New York Times. “But next month Alan Gilbert, the music director of the New York Philharmonic, will lead the orchestra’s brass section alongside the mighty Michigan Marching Band at the homecoming football game against Northwestern.”

The 1,000-musician halftime show is one facet of the Philharmonic’s inaugural residency as part of its five-year partnership with the University Musical Society (UMS) and University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD). 

Other highlights: three orchestral performances — two led by Alan Gilbert featuring music by Esa-Pekka Salonen, Magnus Lindberg, Beethoven, and Richard Strauss, and one led by David Newman featuring a complete screening of On the Waterfront with Bernstein’s score performed live — plus master classes by Philharmonic principals, lectures by the likes of Alan Gilbert and President Matthew VanBesien, a side-by-side chamber concert with Philharmonic musicians and SMTD students, and more.

Go Blue!