Maestro Haitink Leads NY Philharmonic in Haydn and Bruckner

Renowned conductor Bernard Haitink guest-led the orchestra in a 2011 concert featuring two classical masterworks.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 3:00am

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Legendary conductor Bernard Haitink, known for his interpretations of the classical and romantic repertoire, led the New York Philharmonic in a 2011 concert featuring works by Haydn and Bruckner. Haitink had a long and distinguished career as a guest conductor with many of the world's top orchestras, though he never served as the Philharmonic's music director.

Why it matters

Haitink's guest appearances with the New York Philharmonic were always highly anticipated events, as he brought his unique perspective and mastery of the orchestral repertoire to the ensemble. This concert highlighted his skills in interpreting two very different composers - the classical Haydn and the romantic Bruckner - showcasing his versatility and continued relevance even late in his career.

The details

The program featured Haydn's Symphony No. 104, known as the "London" symphony, as well as Bruckner's Symphony No. 7. Haitink had a long history of acclaimed recordings and performances of both composers' works, bringing his deep understanding and experience to these interpretations with the New York players.

  • The concert took place on March 19, 2011 at David Geffen Hall in New York City.
  • Haitink had previously conducted the New York Philharmonic on multiple occasions as a guest since the 1970s.

The players

Bernard Haitink

A renowned Dutch conductor who led many of the world's top orchestras over his long and distinguished career, though he never served as the music director of the New York Philharmonic.

New York Philharmonic

One of the world's leading symphony orchestras, based in New York City and known for its long history of acclaimed performances and recordings.

Alec Baldwin

The radio host of the New York Philharmonic broadcasts, known for his successful acting career in film, television, and on stage.

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What they’re saying

“Maestro Haitink's interpretations of the classical and romantic repertoire are always highly anticipated events for our audience.”

— Alec Baldwin, Radio Host, New York Philharmonic

The takeaway

This concert highlighted Haitink's enduring mastery of the orchestral canon, as he brought his distinctive touch to two very different composers in Haydn and Bruckner, demonstrating his continued relevance and importance even late in his storied career.