Guzman Conducts New York Philharmonic Season Opener
The orchestra's upcoming season features a mix of veteran soloists and recent Avery Fisher Career Grant recipients.
By Marco Ortega ·
The New York Philharmonic is preparing to open its season with a performance led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel.
The lineup for the upcoming dates includes a diverse group of musicians with varied backgrounds and training histories. Pianist Dmitry Yudin, who moved from Moscow to the United States to live with his older sister, will perform. Violinist Nathan Meltzer began studying the instrument while in elementary school in Vienna. Keila Wakao, who started playing the violin at age three, was raised in a household where music was a central focus.
Other instrumentalists on the roster include cellist Leland Ko, who credits his teachers for shaping his path, and violinist Allison Taylor. Taylor noted that a trip to India helped her realize she did not fully understand the instrument's history. Bassoonist Eleni Katz will share her time at the New World Symphony. James, a violinist born in Austin, expressed a desire to play the instrument from an early age. Cellist Tommy Mesa began his musical journey by playing drums before switching to the cello. Joshua Brown picked up the violin at age two after following his brother's lead.
The season also highlights the Balourdet Quartet. The group is composed of violinists Lucy Wang and Hao Zhou, violist Aiden Kane, and cellist Tate Zawadiuk. They are one of several ensembles and individuals recognized with the 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant Award. Other recipients profiled for the season include violinist Julian Rhee, Njioma Chinyere Grevious, the Sandbox Percussion group, and pianist Clayton Stephenson.
Theater performers are also part of the cultural programming. Robert "Silk" Mason will make their long-awaited Broadway debut. Luke Evans will return to his theatrical roots in a production of "The Rocky Horror Show." Marla Mindelle will serve as both the star and co-creator of "Titanique." Conductor Gemma New will lead an orchestra with a focus on collective musical experience.
The schedule includes appearances by Daniel Dae Kim, a Tony nominee and television actor who is returning to the stage. Andrew Durand, also a Tony nominee, will be featured in behind-the-scenes segments. Jasmine Amy Rogers, another Tony nominee, will take on a role described as a lifetime opportunity. A RuPaul's Drag Race winner will also perform on Broadway on her own terms.
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