Watch out West Coast …

The New York Philharmonic is on its way! The Orchestra departed from Avery Fisher Hall this morning for the CALIFORNIA 2012 tour. Here’s what Music Director Alan Gilbert had to say in interviews over the weekend anticipating the Phil’s visits:

“I was always very comfortable when I was in L.A. as a guest conductor. I always felt, ‘This is the place where what I’m doing is understood.’” — Los Angeles Times

“For Gilbert, the Philharmonic is more than an orchestra. ‘I aspire for the New York Philharmonic to be central in the cultural and intellectual life of the city,’ he said.” — San Diego Union-Tribune