Tag Archives: New York Philharmonic

Project 19: New York Phil Celebrates Centennial of 19th Amendment

With Project 19, the New York Philharmonic is commissioning new works by 19 woman composers in celebration of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote 100 years ago. This multiyear initiative was inaugurated in early February with the premiere of Nina C. Young’s “Tread Softly.”

The New York Philharmonic’s project is the single largest women-focused commissioning initiative in history. Six premieres were planned for February alone. Concerts will take place at a wide range of New York City venues and the League of Women Voters is hosting voter registration at Project 19 performances. New York Philharmonic musicians are members of Local 802 (New York City).

New York Philharmonic Fills Hall with Public Service Workers

Through its new “Phil the Hall” series, New York Philharmonic is offering special concert programs with $5 general admission tickets for emergency personnel and public service workers. In the first program, presented in early April, the philharmonic contacted more than 30 organizations, including the New York City Fire Department, homeless shelters, public libraries, and more.

The 75-minute concert featured works by Beethoven, Bernstein, and Steven Stucky, as well as music written by students from the philharmonic’s Very Young Composers program. The evening was hosted by the current Miss America, Nia Imani Franklin, who is an arts advocate with training as a soprano and composer.

New York Philharmonic musicians are represented by Local 802 (New York City).

New York Philharmonic Achieves Salary Increases

In March, musicians and management of the New York Philharmonic approved a new three-year contract. Musicians will see a 4.5% salary increase over three years. The musicians, members of Local 802 (New York City) will contribute more toward their health care costs.

“Contract negotiations are never easy, and as a new music director and leadership team take the helm at this institution, it is our hope that this agreement will mark the beginning of a new era, which strives to retain the talent that fuels the institution’s worldwide renown,” says Local 802 President Tino Gagliardi.

Cellist Nathan Vickery, chair of the negotiation committee, adds, “The New York Philharmonic will maintain the high artistic standards that make it world-renowned only when the musicians who make the music each and every night are supported.”

NY Philharmonic Rings in Year of the Dog

The New York Philharmonic’s annual Lunar New Year Concert and Gala, led by Long Wu, featured Local 802 (New York City) violin soloist Elizabeth Zeltser, Local 802 percussion soloist David Cossin, and championship ping-pong players Ariel Hsing and Michael Landers. A performance of Andy Akiho’s concerto Ricochet, brought a ping pong table to the stage at David Geffen Hall for the first time. The piece required the ping pong players to hit the ball back and forth with unusual objects, and play in precise rhythm with the orchestra.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will fund Philharmonic Schools activities at P.S. 120, attended by many Asian American and Asian immigrant children. New York Philharmonic musicians are members of Local 802.