New York Philharmonic Renews Music Director's Contract Through 2016 Season

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - An encore of sorts has been announced at the New York Philharmonic.

Music Director Alan Gilbert's contract has been extended through the 2016-17 season, the Philharmonic announced Wednesday evening.

"I felt incredibly privileged to have the chance to work with the New York Philharmonic and to make decisions that not only affect the cultural landscape in New York but really help shape it in a very, very profound way," Gilbert told WCBS 880.

Gilbert began his fourth season with the Philharmonic last month.

"I grew up with the New York Philharmonic. My parents were musicians in the orchestra, my mother is still playing in the orchestra. It's an orchestra that I feel incredibly close to, it's the orchestra that really defined what orchestras are," Gilbert told WCBS 880.

"We're going to continue to expand the definition of what an orchestra can be. We're going to continue to play the great symphonic repertoire but we're also going to create new events and use the orchestra in its fullest possible way," Gilbert said.

Gilbert will conduct three world premiere works this season at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, according to the Philharmonic website. In addition, he will conduct Brahms and Bach symphonies and concertos.

"I'm excited because every time I perform for the music lovers of New York City, I feel a palpable connection that I think is only getting stronger," Gilbert told WCBS 880.

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