The New York City Symphony Orchestra

David Eaton
September 1985

David Eaton became the new music director in January 1985.

"Someday the New York City Symphony should be the greatest orchestra in the world."
-- Father

In a recent meeting at Danbury between Father and the world-renown violinist Aaron Rosand, Father told Mr. Rosand that after ideology, culture is the next most important aspect of life.

Indeed, throughout history, artists, composers, writers, and performers have been representatives of the society or culture in which they lived, and have influenced the world around them.

J. S. Bach, for example, was a man of deep religious conviction, and he wrote in my opinion the world's greatest religious music. Beethoven was a child of the French Revolution and his music, filled with passion and turbulence, reflected the conflict and struggle of his time.

The Revival of an Institution

So as we embark on the road toward a new society and culture, the arts (and artists) will play an ever-increasing role in helping shape the hearts and minds of men. To that end, Father has recently encouraged the revival of the New York City Symphony with the hope of its becoming a major, world-class ensemble. With the help and guidance of Rev. C. H. Kwak, the orchestra made its reappearance in New York City this past June in concerts at two of New York's most prestigious concert halls, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center and the Merkin Concert Hall at the Abraham Goodman house. The three concerts, which were very well attended, ushered in a new era for one of New York's oldest musical institutions.

Established in 1926 by a municipal judge, the Honorable Leopold Prince, the orchestra began as an amateur group comprised of neighbors and friends of Judge Prince. In 1956 the orchestra was incorporated as a professional ensemble. It became known as a training ground for many of the talented young instrumentalists who migrate to New York from all over the world, seeking an opportunity to be part of the most culturally active city in the world.

In 1974, after the orchestra had struggled with a decade of financial problems, the City Symphony, Inc. was purchased and became a project of the International Cultural Foundation. Since that time, the orchestra has performed at the Yankee Stadium rally, at ICUS V in Washington DC, at numerous church holidays, and in several public concerts. Past music directors have been Thomas Ludwig, Brian launders, and Francesco Santelli.

Setting the Proper Spiritual Standards

Father's vision for the New York City Symphony has been to develop it into "...the greatest orchestra in the world." Needless to say, for such a vision to become reality requires careful nurturance and proper spiritual guidance. To cultivate an atmosphere conducive to growth is our supreme challenge. It is both our great blessing and our responsibility to set the correct moral and ethical posture in our lives so that true culture and true art can flourish. Like Bach and Beethoven, our art will be an extension of our personalities. Unlike those great men of music, we have True Parents and the Principle; therefore we have the opportunity to receive the highest spiritual energy which can help us attain Father's vision.

As we look to the autumn of 1985 and more concerts, we are continually grateful for Father's support and guidance. The musical community in New York is abuzz with anticipation since we took the cultural scene by surprise this summer, and a day doesn't go by now without some important person in the music world calling us to find out what's going on. My answer to those inquiries is: "We're working to eventually become the greatest orchestra in the world."