Alan Gilbert named the Music Director of the New York Philharmonic

For years one subject has sparked speculation throughout New York — in fact, throughout the nation's music community: who will be the Philharmonic's next Music Director. On the morning of Wednesday, July 18, 2007, savvy music journalists converged on Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall to hear the bold and fresh answer: 40-year-old American Alan Gilbert will be the Orchestra's 25th Music Director, and the first native New Yorker to hold the post.

Riccardo Muti To Share the Stage

Alan Gilbert will have by his side a great friend of the Philharmonic, Riccardo Muti, who will extend his commitment to the Orchestra. As he approaches the second season of a three-year arrangement to appear in multiple subscription weeks, he has agreed to continue to work with the Philharmonic frequently throughout the season, and to undertake occasional international tours. "Making music with the New York Philharmonic has long been one of the highlights of my musical life," Mr. Muti has said. "I am delighted that my role with the Orchestra will expand and that we shall be performing together even more than we do currently, both at home in New York and on tour. Furthermore, I congratulate the musicians on their choice of Alan Gilbert as their music director."