The New York Philharmonic and UMS Launch Five-Year Residency Partnership Starting in 2015

The University Musical Society of the University of Michigan and the New York Philharmonic have announced an ambitious five-year residency partnership, beginning with concerts and activities in October 2015. The partnership is the centerpiece of a larger program bringing three different orchestras to Ann Arbor's Hill Auditorium each season. Each residency will include multi-performance residencies, master classes and workshops for University of Michigan students, and activities for the regional community.

The New York Philharmonic anchors the program, with appearances in the 2015-16, 2017-18, and 2019-20 seasons. The first residency, entitled "Tradition and Innovation," will include performances by the Philharmonic and music director Alan Gilbert on October 9-11, 2015 in Hill Auditorium, and will feature music by the New York Philharmonic's former composer-in- residence Magnus Lindberg, Ravel, and Beethoven (Friday, October 9); Esa-Pekka Salonen and Mahler (Saturday, October 10); and a new film project with David Newman on the podium (Sunday, October 11). In addition, orchestra members and management will participate in a wide range of educational activities in partnership with University units and community

organizations, including workshops, co-commissions and co-productions, as well as possible performance opportunities for University of Michigan groups in New York.

Additional residencies with UMS will feature the Berlin Philharmonic (2016-17 season) and another orchestra to be named later (2018-19).

"UMS has a long history of presenting top-ranked orchestras in multi-day residencies going back more than 100 years," says Kenneth C. Fischer, President of UMS. "What is significant about these residencies is the breadth and depth of their education and community engagement activities. We are proud to have the New York Philharmonic as our anchor partner for this endeavor, and to help the next generation of artistic leaders flourish; the students at the University of Michigan and the community-at-large have incredible learning moments in store. One can't help but to grow and be inspired by the quality, vitality, and adventurous spirit of one of America's greatest orchestras."

"The New York Philharmonic is extremely proud to enter into this formal partnership with UMS over the next five seasons, which extends beyond performance and practice to a spirit of experimentation and creation," said Matthew VanBesien, President and Executive Director of the New York Philharmonic. "Our Orchestra and Alan Gilbert have always cherished the opportunities to be in Ann Arbor, and at the wonderful Hill Auditorium on the University of Michigan campus. Thanks to Ken Fischer and the forward-thinking leadership of UMS who have made this commitment to the Philharmonic, I am confident we will be able to create a truly dynamic range of performances, creative workshops, and educational opportunities for the students at Michigan and the people of Ann Arbor."

The concerts of the first residency take place during Homecoming Weekend at the University of Michigan and will provide a unique opportunity for University of Michigan alumni to experience one of the country's premier orchestras on familiar ground. Tickets will be available in spring 2015; residency details will be announced in the fall. For more information, contact the UMS Ticket Office at 734-764-2538, or send an email to ums-nyphil@umich.edu to be added to the email list for further information.

"I am particularly pleased to announce this initiative during the Victors for Michigan Campaign, as these multi-performance residencies embody UMS's commitment to our three campaign goals: Bold Artistic Ideas, Engaged Learning through the Arts, and Access and Inclusiveness," added Fischer, who noted that a seven-figure lead gift will help support a portion of the expenses associated with the three-year commitment to the New York Philharmonic.

Photo Courtesy of the UMS

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