VietNamNet Bridge - The New York Philharmonic orchestra announced Monday it will give first performances under its incoming conductor, Alan Gilbert, in Vietnam and United Arab Emirates during a 2010 tour.

The New York Philharmonic orchestra has performed in 59 countries.x

Gilbert, 41, is replacing 78-year-old Lorin Maazel at the helm of the orchestra from September.

The Asian part of the October 8-28 tour will start in Tokyo and include a first stop in Vietnam and also in the UAE. The European tour will start in January.

Gilbert is also planning a Stravinsky festival from April 21 to May 8, 2010, with famed Russian conductor Valery Gergiev.

The orchestra caused a sensation last year with a visit to the hermetic capital of Stalinist North Korea, Pyongyang.

(Source: AP)