The Philadelphia Orchestra. Known for the lushness of the Philadelphia strings. Stokowski. Ormandy. Muti. Sawallisch. The U.S. premier of Mahler's Symphony No. 8. The first American orchestra to visit China after World War II. Walt Disney's Fantasia.Lavishly illustrated with more than 200 photos and engagingly written, The Philadelphia Orchestra: A Century of Music has something exciting to offer every music lover. Twelve prominent writers celebrate the 100th anniversary of this world-renowned symphony orchestra by detailing the rich musical history of Philadelphia and a century of great musical traditions. With wit and scholarship, they describe four of the Orchestra's great music directors, Stokowski, Ormandy, Muti, and Sawallisch, who have created and extended the u0022Philadelphia Sound.u0022 They take us to rehearsals, concerts, and recording studios, volunteer events and boardrooms, and inner city schools and foreign concert halls to document the events and personalities that have built a century of music-making. The Philadelphia Orchestra: A Century of Music introduces us to the musicians and the orchestra supporters who make it possible. It examines the Orchestra's innovative educational programs and activities, its fund raisers, and membership drives. This elegant keepsake book also features appendixes listing the Orchestra's members, its U.S. and world premieres, and a complete discography and filmography, as well as a full century of photos and artwork. It is an essential collector's item for music lovers everywhere. After the last page is turned you will stand and say u0022bravo!u0022 to The Philadelphia Orchestra: A Century of Music.