If you’re a regular visitor to this blog, you know that a constantly recurring theme is the opportunity to experience the culture of our beautiful city for free!
So if you’re a fan of classical music, check this out.
The free Philharmonic Concerts in the Park series begins this week!
It’s truly an only-in-New-York experience, residents and tourists alike have been toting baskets and blankets to listen to music under the stars since 1965. Over 5 days in this annual event, concerts are performed in parks in all 5 boroughs.
Here’s a listing of the whos, whats, and wheres of this iconic New York event:
- Tuesday’s performance (June 12th) will be in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx.
- Wednesday the orchestra heads to the Great Lawn in Central Park.
- On Thursday, folks will be spreading their blankets in Cunningham Park in Queens.
- Prospect Park in Brooklyn plays host on Friday night.
- Finally on Sunday, the Music Hall at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden in Staten Island will serve as the venue.
James Gaffigan, an internationally renowned conductor, will take the helm for this series. Composers include Cameron Cowan, Jordan Miller, Saint-Saëns, Bernstein, and Rimsky-Korsakov.
All concerts are outdoors and begin at 8:00 p.m. and are followed by a beautiful fireworks display. (Except for the Staten Island show, which is at 3 p.m. and indoors.)
A few tips! Aside from food, drink and a blanket, bring bug spray and a jacket or sweater because the temperature can dip in the later evening.
If you want a seat up close to the orchestra, plan on arriving at about 6 p.m. (Honestly, it’s just as lovely in the back.)
Happy Monday, everyone!
Image via Alan Strakey/Flickr
