In 1991 , Masur became music director of the New York Philharmonic ( NYP ) . He was an unexpected choice who brought needed change to that orchestra . " Masur 's appointment was a clear signal that it was time for the orchestra to begin anew . " Former concertmaster Glenn Dicterow said in 2012 " It takes a big personality to unite 105 players onstage — to get everybody to be as inspired as he is — and , uh , it 's hard work , . . And he 's just so demanding and intense that I think that he got , just by his sheer intensity of his personality , I think it sort of transformed most of us . " Masur directed the Philharmonic in a performance of Brahms 's '' Ein deutsches Requiem '' in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 . During his tenure , there were reports of tension between Masur and the NYP 's Executive Director at the time , Deborah Borda , which eventually contributed to his contract not being renewed beyond 2002 . In a television interview with Charlie Rose , Masur stated that regarding his leaving the NYP , " it was not my wish " . Masur stood down as the NYP 's music director in 2002 and was named its Music Director Emeritus , a new title created for him . The critical consensus was that Masur improved the playing of the orchestra over his tenure
terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001
September 11 attacks
Kurt Masur