As I came to New York, it was for me a new beginning. To discover what people are living here. What do they need, what do they expect, what would they like to be the image and the performance of the New York Philharmonic?

In 2001 Kurt Masur became an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music. The critical consensus is that Masur improved the playing of the orchestra compared to his more pliable and forbearing predecessor. His performances draw a wide range of reviews.