Golden Years of the National Symphony Orchestra: Stories and Photographs of Musicians and Maestros presents a rich and intimate perspective of the orchestra as it evolved in prominence and international expanse throughout the last 50 years. Through hundreds of stunning photographs shot by NSO violinist William Haroutounian, the tenure of seven NSO conductors, major guest artists, and NSO members are brought to life, giving a rare and exciting glimpse of musical life on stage, backstage, and on tour. Alongside these photographs are experiences from the members themselves, pieced together by Joanne Haroutounian. Humorous stories of mishaps during rehearsals and performances balance with some of the most historically significant moments in classical music history-from Mstislav Rostropovich's return to Russia with the NSO and sheer excitement of the mobs to the sudden death of Gina Bachauer minutes before she was scheduled to perform in Athens. The book memorializes this rich and varied history and will enrich an appreciation for concert life.
Joanne Haroutounian serves on the music faculty of George Mason University, overseeing its piano pedagogy program and offering doctoral seminars exploring musical talent and artistic ways of knowing. She has presented numerous sessions at the World Congress of Gifted Education, the Music Teachers National Association, and the National Association for Gifted Children, where she served as chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Division from 1995-97. William Haroutounian, violinist, is the longest serving member of the National Symphony Orchestra, having joined the orchestra in 1963 during Howard Mitchell's music directorship. During his 54 years in the orchestra, he has captured thousands of rehearsal settings with the NSO from the unique vantage point of a musician in the orchestra.
Introduction: NSO Golden Moments Encapsulated Chapter 1: The Tenure of Hans Kindler (1931-1949) - The Early Years Chapter 2: The Tenure of Howard Mitchell (1949-1969) - The National What? Recognition of the National Symphony Chapter 3: The Tenure of Antal Dorati (1970-1977) - Expanding the Scope: Repertoire, Recordings, and Awards Chapter 4: The Tenure of Mstislav Rostropovich (1977-1994) - Slava Persona, World-wide Exposure Chapter 5: Conductors, Artists, and Composers Across the Years Chapter 6: The Tenure of Leonard Slatkin (1996-2008) - American Focus, Residencies Chapter 7: The Tenure of Ivan Fischer (2008-2010) - Caretaker Chapter 8: The Tenure of Christoph Eschenbach (2010 - 2017) - European Traditions Chapter 9: NSO Musicians - Stories of Colleagues Chapter 10: The Tenure of Gianandrea Noseda (2017-Present) - Maestro Appassionato Closing Thoughts
A loving tribute to the music and musicians who have inhabited the world of the National Symphony Orchestra. With stunning photographs from William Haroutounian, this book brings to life the sounds and stories that have been played and told for these past ninety years.--Leonard Slatkin, internationally acclaimed conductor Enjoy the many stories of my current and former colleagues in this beautiful book.--Gianandrea Noseda, music director, National Symphony Orchestra, principal guest conductor, London Symphony Orchestra
