“The Orchestra of St. Luke’s two concerts for the New York Philharmonic’s biennial drew raves from critics,” writes Miriam Kreinin Souccar in Thursday’s (7/3) Crain’s New York Business, “and were among the most popular shows of the 11-day event. The midsize orchestra … was not only invited to play at the prestigious festival that debuted last month, but its 36-year-old principal conductor, Pablo Heras-Casado, [helped] curate the entire event.… As it enters its 40th anniversary season this year, the orchestra is hitting the highest notes in its history. Mr. Heras-Casado, who just extended his contract to 2017, isn’t the only catalyst for the orchestra’s recent success. Three years ago, with the effects of the recession still lingering, OSL opened the $30 million DiMenna Center in Hell’s Kitchen that serves as its home and as the first rehearsal and recording space for the city’s many wandering orchestras. ‘Both the DiMenna Center and Pablo have given us more attention and put us at a whole new level,’ said Katy Clark, OSL’s president and executive director. ‘We’re getting better bookings and being asked to collaborate on projects. The reputation of the orchestra is as high as it’s ever been.’ ”
Posted July 8, 2014