Fantastique Bells

This week’s performances of Berlioz’s powerful and evocative Symphonie fantastique will feature occasional members of the Philharmonic — enormous bells, like those heard in churches. Principal Percussionist Christopher S. Lamb shares their biography, and why you won’t be seeing them on stage, in the concert’s program notes.

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Philharmonic fans have been sporting the hottest new fall accessory for concerts this week featuring the works of Danish composer Carl Nielsen (and the word is that the pins are already a hot item in Denmark, where Nielsen is a national treasure). The love seems to be infectious; a different couple was spotted canoodling in the balcony at Avery Fisher Hall during Wednesday evening’s concert. We couldn’t tell if they were wearing their pins, though.  

“ This is a thrilling start to what may turn out to be a definitive Nielsen cycle. ”

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More raves for the Philharmonic’s live recording of Carl Nielsen’s Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3, released on the Dacapo label, which hit the Billboard charts in its first week of release.

Craig Zeichner’s Ariama review continues:

“I can’t think of a finer endorsement of Gilbert’s stewardship of the orchestra. The Philharmonic and conductor truly seem of one mind in their interpretation and the orchestra sounds superb.”

Check out clips here, and help us reach No. 1 on the charts!

Check out what Philharmonic news had Twitter abuzz this week and what’s on the horizon:

As part of Subscriber Appreciation Month, we’d like everyone who attends our concerts to share their favorite Philharmonic memories:

Did you know that October is Subscriber Appreciation Month at the Philharmonic?

Visit our Subscriber Appreciation page to hear the memories and stories of these members of the Philharmonic family — or share your own Philharmonic story.

On This Day in Philharmonic History:

Leonard Bernstein conducted the opening concert of the New York Philharmonic during its historic first visit to the Soviet Union in 1959. In this selection of images from the Philharmonic Archives, the Orchestra deplanes at Moscow’s airport, led by Bernstein and wife, Felicia Montealegre; Leonard Bernstein gets a hair cut at the American trade fair in Moscow’s Sokolniki Park (photo: Don Huntstein, Sony Music); Bernstein and two Philharmonic musicians — drummer Morris Lang and bass player Robert Gladstone — offer up some New York jazz at a Ministry of Culture party (photo: E.I. Yavno).

Can anyone name this NYP musician based on the following clues from a Q&A (no peeking!)?

• Performs in another “brassy” NYP ensemble.
• A major musical influence was J.J. Johnson.
• Is a self-proclaimed “avid, horrible golfer.”