ArtsWatch

The New York Philharmonic has named Alan Gilbert its next music director. Gilbert, 40, (pictured) attended the Curtis Institute of Music and once was a substitute violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He starts the new gig in 2009. The Phil also apparently thinks it has a commitment from a conductor named Riccardo Muti to spend six to eight weeks guest conducting and leading tours. He has no title, no "formal" contract, the New York Times is reporting today. Said Philharmonic president Zarin Mehta: "He's free and he's Italian." We're not sure what the "Italian" reference means, but the "free" part in Philadelphia meant that Muti was free to show up to conduct only when he felt like it. Good luck to them all.