The New York Philharmonic has released a video at its YouTube channel of a portion of its March 17 performance at Avery Fisher Hall, which featured a last-minute addition of Takemitsu’s Requiem for String Orchestra. The work was performed in honor of and in sympathy for the people of Japan, following that country’s devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11. Also posted at YouTube are remarks made before the concert by Music Director Alan Gilbert and guest conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen. The Philharmonic’s homepage also features a spoken message to the people of Japan by Philharmonic violinist Fiona Simon and by Gilbert, who says, “We would like to offer this performance both to honor the departed, but also as a tribute to Japan’s optimism and positive spirit.” A recording of the performance is available for download through InstantEncore and other online music stores, with proceeds going to benefit relief efforts for Japan.
Posted March 23, 2011
