Grand Rapids Reporter

Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra conductor Leslie B. Dunner led the New York Philharmonic March 2 and 4 at the refurbished David Geffen Hall.

“I’m thrilled to return to the New York Philharmonic for this important program,” Dunner said in recent news release. “I’m also very excited that our young Interlochen artists will perform vital works that deserve to be included in the classical canon alongside the world-class musicians of the NY Phil.”

The performances featured approximately 150 students from the Interlochen Arts Academy, along with more than a dozen Philharmonic musicians who are Interlochen alumni, the release stated. The musicians performed alongside the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra.

“The rewards of mentorship go both ways,” said New York Philharmonic Managing Director Isaac Thompson. “Interlochen Arts Academy students will benefit from working with the world’s top orchestral musicians, and NY Phil players will be inspired by the passion and potential of these aspiring artists. Add to that our ability to engage with musicians across the city who aspire to be NY Phil Interlochen Scholars, and the results are truly multidimensional, combining top-level training with high-profile performance opportunities.”

Leading up to the concert, Interlochen students played with other New York City-based arts and youth development organizations affiliated with the New York Philharmonic to cultivate performances at David Geffen Hall and other venues in the city, according to the release.

“We’re thrilled and honored to partner with the New York Philharmonic,” said Interlochen Center for the Arts President Trey Devey.  “Collaborating with the Philharmonic’s world-class musicians will be a formative experience that will inspire our young Interlochen artists for the rest of their lives. In turn, our NY Phil Interlochen Scholars program will make the transformative Interlochen Arts Camp experience accessible to talented young friends of the Philharmonic from across New York City.”

 According to the release, 30 young artists from multiple arts disciplines will be awarded full-tuition scholarships to attend Interlochen Arts Camp in the summer of 2023 through the newly established NY Phil Interlochen Scholars program.