One of the finest violinists of the second half of the twentieth century, Isaac Stern (1920-2001) left behind a unique legacy that includes not only a great solo career in performance and recording, but also an impeccable reputation as colleague and mentor, and the glorious fact that he inspired the rebirth of one of the world’s greatest concert venues – Carnegie Hall in New York. Fifty years ago, in early 1960, Stern formed a citizen’s committee to protest the planned demolition of Carnegie Hall, sparking a movement that not only saved the building but insured its future as one of music’s great landmarks.

Carnegie Hall and Sony Masterworks have assembled a release that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the rescue of the Hall and the beginning of its renaissance, as well as the 90th anniversary of Isaac Stern’s birth. The accompanying booklet recounts the story of Stern’s efforts to stop the Hall’s demolition and his enduring leadership that re-established Carnegie Hall as America’s greatest concert venue.