New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park
Philharmonic in the Park is an iconic New York event every summer, where the New York Philharmonic performs in Central Park and parks in other boroughs.
The New York Philharmonic in the Park is an iconic series of concerts that have been taking place in New York City for over 50 years. It is a series of free outdoor concerts that take place in various parks throughout New York City.
Each year, the New York Philharmonic performs four concerts in four different parks throughout the city, including Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, the Great Lawn in Central Park, Cunningham Park in Queens, and Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
A beloved tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike, the concerts provide a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of classical music in the iconic parks that are an integral part of New York City. It is a free event and a giant picnic with live music, with over 50,000 people in attendance at just Central Park!
What is New York Philharmonic in the Park?
Philharmonic in the Park is a series of four free outdoor concerts presented by the New York Philharmonic in different parks throughout New York City. The concerts are an opportunity for New Yorkers to hear classical music under the stars and enjoy a picnic with friends and family. The concerts are conducted by the Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, and feature a variety of classical music pieces that are suited to a diverse audience.
History of Philharmonic in the Park
Philharmonic in the Park began in 1965 as a way for the New York Philharmonic to bring classical music to a wider audience. The first concert was held in Central Park, and was an instant success. Since then, the series has expanded to include concerts in parks throughout the city, including Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, Cunningham Park in Queens, and Prospect Park in Brooklyn.
Over the years, the concerts have become a beloved tradition for New Yorkers and visitors alike. They offer a unique opportunity to enjoy classical music in a relaxed, outdoor setting, and to connect with the community.
The repertoire for the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks is carefully chosen to appeal to a wide audience. The concerts feature a mix of classical and contemporary music, with something to suit everyone’s taste including works by some of the world’s most renowned composers, such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky, as well as contemporary works by living composers.
Philharmonic Concerts in Central Park
The Philharmonic Concerts in Central Park are usually scheduled to start at 8pm, the prime spots near the stage are usually all taken up with people sitting on blankets in the Great Lawn in Central Park by 7pm if not sooner, and sections that are full start to get fenced off so it doesn’t get too crowded. That being said, even if you are seated in the sections at the back, the evening is always nice and festive with people, babies and dogs just enjoying Central Park. The nice thing about this event, unlike other ticketed concerts in Central Park where only small bags are permitted and food and alcohol are restricted, is that everyone brings in their food and wine and makes a really nice evening of it.
I love looking back at the City and seeing the change from day to night from the middle of Central Park.
The concerts end with fireworks in Central Park, which is a truly amazing way to end a very special evening for New Yorkers.
