The Cultural and Economic Disaster of New York City

The David Geffen Hall, originally named Philharmonic Hall and later renamed Avery Fisher Hall, at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, circa 1965. The building is the home of the New York Philharmonic orchestra. Authenticated News/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Commentary

The New York Philharmonic’s performance of Gustav Mahler’s 9th Symphony, brilliantly conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, lived up to the piece’s immense reputation. Written in 1909, it is the last gasp of the Old World wrecked by the Great War. It left the audience in tears of melancholy reflection.