New York Philharmonic Picks Masur as Conductor

East German conductor Kurt Masur was named to a 5-year term as music director of the New York Philharmonic, effective with the 1992-93 music season. He takes over during the Philharmonic’s 150th anniversary.

During the 1990-91 season, Masur will conduct two subscription weeks and will provide an overview of artistic matters, including guiding the planning of the 1991-92 season and the audition of orchestra personnel.

He will conduct a minimum of 14 subscription weeks and four weeks of other work, and will assume overall artistic responsibility for touring, educational activities, recording, television, chamber music, park concerts and other projects.

Stephan Samus, chairman of the New York Philharmonic, said that Masur willl remain with the Gewandhaus Orchestra through the 1993-94 season, its 200th anniversary season. After that Masur will maintain some association with the Leipzig orchestra.

Samus said it will be a difficult transition, “but we are confident” that whatever relationship evolves “his focus and interest will be on his life with the Philharmonic.”

Masur, who was in Paris today rehearsing with the Orchestre National de France , issued a statement: “I believe very strongly that after all we have talked about regarding the future of the N.Y. Philharmonic that we will succeed together in building up a close relationship between the audience, the orchestra members and the leadership of the orchestra.

“I have always been very attracted by the musical life and the audiences of the New York City. I promise everyone that I will work as honestly as I have with my Gewandhaus Orchestra for the past 20 years.”

In April, 1991, Masur is scheduled to bring his Gewandhaus Orchestra to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and to San Diego during a U.S. tour. No repertory has been announced.