Next season will mark the end of an era for the New York Philharmonic as it's been announced that Alan Gilbert will step down from his post with the company to make way for Dutch conductor Jaap van Zweden. The season will mark the N.Y. Phil's 175th anniversary and will showcase pieces from Tchaikovsky and Dvorak.
For its astounding 175th year, the New York Phil will premiere seven new productions, which will include a three-week Tchaikovsky festival conducted by Semyon Bychkov featuring pianists Yefim Bronfman and Kirill Gerstein. The orchestra, also, will explore Dvorak's New World symphony, which was given its premiere in 1893.
Speaking on his retirement from the world-renowned orchestra, Mr. Gilbert said:
"The New York Philharmonic has always been and will always be my musical home. My final season as Music Director - and the Philharmonic's 175th anniversary season - will present music that the Orchestra and I love, and will celebrate New York City, our shared hometown. Looking back on my tenure, I am particularly proud that the projects and collaborative approach I introduced in my first season are now woven into the fabric of the Philharmonic. I will always treasure the sense of warmth and family with the musicians of the Orchestra: there's nothing better than to share the stage with friends
As it's been noted further, in June Mr. Gilbert will lead Das Rheingold featuring Eric Owens as Wotan and Jamie Barton as Fricka. This will mark Jamie Barton's Philharmonic debut.
For now, the New York Philharmonic's 2016-17 season will host 113 concerts over 38 weeks, with season tickets available for purchase right now.
A most intimate farewell to Mr. Gilbert, the New York Philharmonic has been graced by the conductor as he has led the orchestra through various musical vineyards throughout his tenure.
Until then, here is Mr. Gilbert with the orchestra below.
