Berlin and Vienna Back-to-Back

Tune-In Music Festival: The Philip Glass Ensemble Plays Music in Twelve Parts

The Purplehearts - Bowery Electric

Berlin and Vienna Back-to-Back

Ten years ago this week, I flew to Berlin where, for the first time, I saw the Berlin Philharmonic, at their home concert hall, the Philharmonie. Exactly one week later, I found myself back in New York where, also for the first time, I attened a concert by the Vienna Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall . Needless to say it was one of the more intesnse weeks of my life, musical or otherwise. As a memento, I framed the programs from both concerts where, for the past decade, they've been hanging on my living room wall (see above.)

History has a funny way of repeating itself, and this week, the Vienna Phil returns to Carnegie, exactly one week following the Berlin Phil's triumphant appearances here last weekend. Usually, Carnegie spaces out these two historic orchestras a bit more on their schedule, so as not to invite immediate comparison (not to mention give the critics a minute to catch their breath.) But, thinking about all of the music I've witnessed since that first back-to-back week ten years ago, I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Vienna Phil arrives this Friday for a three-concert run, conducted by Lorin Maazel. Amazingly, tickets are still available for all three concerts; call the box office or go online. Programs below.