Carnegie concert honors late leader

Months after his sudden death, Carnegie Hall’s late director, Robert Harth, got a standing ovation -- at a concert in his memory Thursday in America’s premier hall.

Carnegie distributed free tickets to anyone who wanted to hear singer Audra McDonald, pianist Emanuel Ax, the Emerson String Quartet and conductor James Levine with his top Metropolitan Opera Orchestra players -- all of them appearing gratis.

“Robert’s legacy was to redefine what Carnegie Hall means in the 21st century,” Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg said from the stage. “He was an island of calm with a vision. He had a serenity and charm that was nearly miraculous.”

Harth was remembered as a cutting-edge arts administrator who during his 28-month tenure revolutionized Carnegie, expanding its offerings in jazz and musical theater, as well as world, folk and pop music.

Carnegie’s executive and artistic director suffered a heart attack on Jan. 30, at 47, in his apartment just above the hall where he spent most of his waking hours.