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The New York Stadium Symphony Orchestra, also known as the Stadium Symphony Orchestra of New York, is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1948. The orchestra was established by Leopold Stokowski, a renowned conductor who had previously led the Philadelphia Orchestra and the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Stokowski's vision for the orchestra was to bring classical music to a wider audience by performing in non-traditional venues, such as sports stadiums and outdoor arenas. The orchestra's first performance was held at the Lewisohn Stadium in New York City, which was a popular venue for outdoor concerts at the time. The orchestra's early years were marked by a series of successful performances, including a concert at the Polo Grounds in 1950 that drew a crowd of over 35,000 people. The orchestra also performed at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles and the Tanglewood Music Festival in Massachusetts. One of the orchestra's most notable performances was a concert at Carnegie Hall in 1958, which was conducted by Leonard Bernstein. The concert featured a performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2, which was met with critical acclaim and helped to establish the orchestra as a major force in the classical music world. Over the years, the orchestra has been led by a number of distinguished conductors, including Andre Kostelanetz, Skitch Henderson, and David Gilbert. The orchestra has also featured a number of prominent soloists, including pianist Van Cliburn and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In addition to its performances, the orchestra has also been recognized for its recordings. The orchestra's recording of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with pianist Oscar Levant was a commercial success and helped to popularize the piece. The orchestra has also recorded works by composers such as Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff. Despite its success, the orchestra has faced a number of challenges over the years. In the 1970s, the orchestra's home venue, the Lewisohn Stadium, was demolished, and the orchestra struggled to find a new home. The orchestra also faced financial difficulties in the 1980s and 1990s, which led to a reduction in the number of performances. Despite these challenges, the orchestra has continued to perform and has remained a beloved institution in the classical music world. Today, the orchestra is led by conductor David Bernard and continues to perform in a variety of venues, including the Great Lawn in Central Park and the Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.

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