The Philharmonic first performed in Italy during its 1930 European tour led by Arturo Toscanini. Since then, the orchestra has returned to the country six times, last visiting Rome, Milan, and Florence in 1985 with former music director Zubin Mehta. In 2003, the Philharmonic performed in residence at Teatro Lirico di Cagliari in Sardinia.

Maazel will conduct works by Berlioz, Brahms, Kodšly, Mahler, Mozart, and Verdi. Featured soloists will be Philharmonic principal violist Cynthia Phelps and soprano Mariella Devia, who will be making her debut with the orchestra on June 16 in Parma. In addition, Riccardo Muti will guest conduct Schumann's Symphony No. 4 and Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 on June 18 in Ravenna.

Lorin Maazel said, "It is a particular joy for me to be bringing the New York Philharmonic to Italy, the cradle of so much of the world's great music and I country I consider a second home. Italian audiences are passionate about music, and I know they are going to love this orchestra as much as I do. I am especially looking forward to conducting Verdi again in Parma, this time with the New York Philharmonic. All of us on stage will feel most honored to perform Verdi on his native soil."