PQNY History
SERIOUS FUN
The Philharmonic Quintet of New York members are all musicians from the New York Philharmonic. The PQNY musicians have always been more than colleagues within the orchestra, but friends offstage as well. Working together in a chamber ensemble seemed like a natural outgrowth of their multidimensional relationship.
HISTORY
Shortly after their debut in 2001, the PQNY performed one of the first concerts at the World Trade Center disaster site in order to raise morale for the relief workers and residents of the affected area in the wake of this tragedy. In turn, a whole series of concerts by New York Philharmonic musicians was developed. This experience led to the PQNY’s commitment to perform regularly--not only in New York, but also for audiences and causes around the world.
HIGHLIGHTS
Over the years, the PQNY has performed to sold-out concert halls on three continents to great critical acclaim. In addition, they have presented master classes in Asia and the United States. The group also appeared in nationally televised concerto performances with the Tainan Symphony in Taiwan.
The PQNY has often served as a kind of ‘musical ambassador’ for the New York Philharmonic. In addition to appearing regularly with the NY Philharmonic Ensembles Series, they have done numerous fund-raising and private performances for the Philharmonic. In 2002, the quintet was invited by Maestro Lorin Maazel and Executive Director Zarin Mehta to represent the orchestra in Manila, Philippines for a series of recitals. In 2004, the group helped to inaugurate a new chamber music series at the 92nd Street “Y” for the Philharmonic.
The PQNY has championed the causes for other groups as well. In 2004, the group traveled to Colorado and performed a very successful fundraising event for the National Repertory Orchestra (a fellowship summer program for young, gifted musicians). An especially proud moment of the 2005 season was a sold-out benefit recital by the quintet, which raised over $50,000 for tsunami orphans in southeastern Asia.
The 2006-2007 season highlights included recitals in Japan, Germany and the northeastern United States. In addition, the PQNY recorded music for the Off-Broadway show ‘HOME’. They anticipate the release of their first CD in 2007.
In addition to their busy careers as performers, all five members of the PQNY are highly successful professors as well. They serve on the faculties of the Juilliard School, Manhattan School of Music and Mannes College of Music and have led master classes worldwide.