The New York Philharmonic says it will perform for the first time in Hanoi and Abu Dhabi next season and is getting Alec Baldwin to host its national radio broadcasts.
The Philharmonic has performed in 59 countries -- including in North Korea -- but never in Vietnam or in the Middle Eastern country.
Alan Gilbert, in his debut season as music director of the nation's oldest orchestra, will led the musicians in the tour in October.
The 2009-2010 season officially starts Sept. 16 with a gala concert featuring soprano Renee Fleming and the world premiere of a work by Finnish composer Magnus Lindberg.
The announcement of Baldwin's selection comes a day after he won a Golden Globe for best comedy actor for NBC's "30 Rock."
