New York Philharmonic

The founding of the New York Philharmonic in 1842 makes it one of the oldest continually operating orchestras in the world -- older than any in the United States and younger than only two in Europe. It was first conducted by Ureli Corelli Hill, who dedicated the orchestra to "the advancement of instrumental music," a tradition that continues at its current home in Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall. Among the orchestra's many renowned conductors are American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, who made some of the organization's most progressive changes between 1958-69, and Hector Boulez, who introduced New York audiences to many great 20th century works. Over its long and proud history it has produced a number of the finest orchestral recordings ever captured.