GLENN DICTEROW A Most Masterful Musician: 34 Years as the New York Philharmonic’s Concertmaster

hen Glenn Dicterow Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto at the became Concertmaster of invitation of Andre Kostelanetz. He then W the New York Philharmonic returned to California when Zubin in 1980, he obviously had the full Mehta, then Music Director of the Los support of Zubin Mehta, the Music Angeles Philharmonic, hired him where Director who appointed him — he soon became that orchestra’s Assistant but success was not by any means Concertmaster. guaranteed. The last Concertmaster with a lengthy tenure was the beloved Music Director Alan Gilbert said: John Corigliano, who had retired after serving in that position for 23 years. Glenn has provided a crucial underpinning Following Corigliano’s retirement, in and perspective during the tenures of four 1966, 14 years went by in which six music directors and for more than 200 guest different Concertmasters or Acting conductors, and he has presided over more than Concertmasters passed through the 6,000 concerts, and been a soloist in 219. Philharmonic. Another mark against Glen n was his age: at 31 years old, he But statistics don’t capture the totality. was the youngest musician ever to be Glenn is a legend. One of the world’s appointed to that leadership post. greatest violinists, he brings his incredible Now, 34 years later, the New York musical point of view and inspires the highest Philharmonic bids farewell to standard through the warmth of his sound Glenn Dicterow, the longest-serving and his consummate professionalism. I’ve seen Concertmaster in the Orchestra’s him work with conductors of great renown 172-year history. and complete beginners, and have always been impressed by his consistent commitment Glenn was born to parents of Russian- and dedication. Jewish background and raised in Los Angeles. His father, Harold, was In my fi rst weeks as Music Director, Associate Concertmaster of the Los I looked over to Glenn and knew he Angeles Philharmonic for 52 years. Both absolutely understood my intention. What Glenn and his older brother, Maurice, happened next is an illustration of what a began violin studies at an early age. quintessential concertmaster can do: Glenn, In addition to his father, Glenn’s early somehow, through the force of his will and teachers included Henryk Szeryng and his body language, galvanized the orchestra, Jascha Heifetz. In 1967 he enrolled at kicking things into a turbo charge. This The Juilliard School, where he studied dramatic infl uence on the entire ensemble is with Ivan Galamian, and made his New at the heart of what Glenn has given the York Philharmonic debut, performing Philharmonic for 34 years.