In Monday’s (5/19) Crain’s New York Business, Theresa Agovino writes about the New York Philharmonic’s upcoming Biennial, which focuses on contemporary music: “The Philharmonic’s inaugural biennial starts on May 28. The 11-day festival will feature 21 concerts, including 19 world premieres, at 10 different venues.… ‘This is an opportunity to have a no-holds-barred exploration of modern music,’ said Matthew VanBesien, executive director of the New York Philharmonic. ‘We want it to feel like an event.’ … Mr. VanBesien acknowledges that creating such a major event around new music has its challenges. He said the orchestra is spending a significant amount on the programming, though he wouldn’t divulge how much. Published reports said that one donor had given roughly $2.5 million to be used for the project over three years.… Others also heralded it as the bold kind of move orchestras must pursue at a time when the audience for the classic art form stagnates.… ‘The Philharmonic is trying to grow its impact and its reach,’ said Jesse Rosen, president and chief executive of the League of American Orchestras. ‘It’s playing a leadership role.’ ”
Posted May 21, 2014
