NYC VIBE with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

at Carnegie Hall

April 2018 – The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, based in New Orleans, made its historic Carnegie Hall debut as part of a season celebration of American Composer Philip Glass. The orchestra debut concert at Carnegie Hall marked their first return the New York City since New Orleans’ recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra last appeared in New York in 2005, performing in a joint concert with the New York Philharmonic at Lincoln Center, benefiting musicians affected by the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Since that time, the orchestra has re surged artistically under the direction of Carlos Miguel Prieto, their music director since 2005. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra has had a thriving partnership with Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute for the last 6 seasons, presenting “Link Up” to New Orleans students in grades 3 through 5 and more recently, taking part in the Weill Music Institute “PlayUSA” program.

Believe it or not, the Big Easy and the Big Apple have a lot in common! Both cities are cultural centers whose influence has stretched far beyond their borders. A passion for food, music, nightlife, sports, art, and fashion, along with instantly recognizable dialects are just a few of the things that identify New York and New Orleans. And there is also one other entity they recently shared at once of the city’s most cherished concert venues – The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra!

This season Carnegie Hall hosted a celebration of the music of Philip Glass. The composer, who wrote some of his greatest works in New York City, Chose the Louisiana Philharmonic to perform 2 of his pieces. The musicians worked hard behind the scenes to ensure their performances would be spectacular. We could feel the excitement, even during rehearsals.

The concert was a resounding success. New York City fully embraced the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s interpretation of the work of Philip Glass, a composer who has worked with New York City icons ranging from Twyla Tharp, to poet Allen Ginsberg, to filmmaker Martin Scorsese. You might say that for one evening – New York City became the Crescent City!