Concerts in the Parks
Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer
From the May 19 Spring Gala to the June 17-24 citywide tour, 2015 will be another summer to savor priceless music, absolutely free! Help create the next-generation archive of Parks through Crowdsourcing Memories and start planning which of the free performances throughout the boroughs you'll attend.
All-American Program with Joshua Bell
June 17
Alan Gilbert conducts Bernstein's West Side Story Suite, featuring violinist Joshua Bell, alongside works by Barber, Gershwin, Copland, Anderson, Rodgers, and Sousa. FREE
Great Lawn, Central Park, Manhattan
Westside entrances: West 81st or 86th Streets at Central Park West
Eastside entrances: East 79th or 85th Streets at Fifth Avenue
(view map)
Charles Dutoit Conducts Petrushka
June 18
Charles Dutoit leads the Orchestra in Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture; Saint-Saëns's Violin Concerto No. 3, with Renaud Capuçon as soloist; Stravinsky's Petrushka (1911 version); and Ravel's La Valse. FREE
Great Lawn, Central Park, Manhattan
Westside entrances: West 81st or 86th Streets at Central Park West
Eastside entrances: East 79th or 85th Streets at Fifth Avenue
(view map)
Charles Dutoit Conducts Petrushka
June 19
Charles Dutoit leads the Orchestra in Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture; Saint-Saëns's Violin Concerto No. 3, with Renaud Capuçon as soloist; Stravinsky's Petrushka (1911 version); and Ravel's La Valse. FREE
Share the Stage* performance by the Brooklyn Interdenominational Choir, 6:30-7:00 PM
Long Meadow, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Enter at Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West at 9th Street or Bartel-Pritchard Circle at the intersection of Prospect Park West, Prospect Park Southwest and 15th Street
(view map)
Alan Gilbert Conducts West Side Story
June 22
Alan Gilbert returns in an all-American program featuring Bernstein's West Side Story Concert Suite No. 1, performed by soprano Julia Bullock and tenor Ben Bliss. Plus: works by Barber, Gershwin, Copland, Anderson, Rodgers, and Sousa. FREE
Share the Stage* performance by Steven Kroon, 6:30-7:00 PM
Cunningham Park, Queens
Enter at 193rd Street, near 81stst Avenue or Union Turnpike. Concert site is at 193rd Street Field
(view map)
Alan Gilbert Conducts West Side Story
June 23
Alan Gilbert returns in an all-American program featuring Bernstein's West Side Story Concert Suite No. 1, performed by soprano Julia Bullock and tenor Ben Bliss. Plus: works by Barber, Gershwin, Copland, Anderson, Rodgers, and Sousa. FREE
Share the Stage* performance by BombaYo, 6:30-7:00 PM
Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
Enter the park from Broadway, near West 251st Street. Concert site is north of the baseball fields
(view map)
Free Indoor Concert
June 24
New York Philharmonic musicians perform Mozart's Serenade in G major, Eine kleine Nachtmusik; Grieg's Peer Gynt Suite No. 1, Op. 46; and Spohr's Nonet. Tickets are free but required; reserve at brownpapertickets.com.
Share the Stage* performance by Bob Conroy and Norm Pederson with Bill Doerge, 7:00-7:30 PM
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, Staten Island
(view map)
* As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Concerts in the Parks, we will present Share the Stage in Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island, an opportunity for local musicians to perform on the stage in their home boroughs before the Orchestra's performances.
The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks are presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer.
Concerts in the Parks are supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Concerts in the Parks outreach activities are supported, in part, by Susan Schuur.
Q: How early should I arrive before the concert?
A: You may arrive as early as you'd like. Outdoor concerts start at 8:00PM.
Q: Can I bring alcohol?
A: The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, which establishes the rules and regulations for all City parks, prohibits alcohol in all parks.
Q: What happens if there's inclement weather?
A: In case of inclement weather, the New York Philharmonic will decide whether to hold the concert or cancel it on the day of the concert. Follow us on Twitter for up to date information about concert cancelations.
Q: If a concert gets canceled, will it be rescheduled?
A: No
Q: What's the best way to meet my friends once inside the park?
A: Cell phone reception can become unreliable in the park. We recommend making plans ahead of time.
Q: Are there fireworks at every concert?
A: There will be fireworks by Bay Fireworks at every outdoor concert (in Central Park, Manhattan; Prospect Park, Brooklyn; Cunningham Park, Queens; and Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx).
Q: Are there restroom facilities nearby?
A: A list of bathroom facilities can be found:
Central Park
Prospect Park
Cunningham Park
Van Cortlandt Park
Q: Can I buy food at the concert?
A: A list of eateries can be found:
Central Park
Prospect Park
Cunningham Park
Van Cortlandt Park
Q: Is there seating for persons with disabilities?
A: For information on seating facilities for seniors and persons with disabilities at the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, patrons should contact Healing Arts Initiative (formerly Hospital Audiences, Inc.) at (212) 284-4100 or outreach@hainyc.org
Q: How do I get reserved seating up front?
A: A donation of $12,000 or above will secure a VIP lawn chair. Please contact the New York Philharmonic Development Office department at (212) 875-5690.
Celebrating 50 Years of Concerts in the Parks
On May 19, the Philharmonic celebrated a concert at Avery Fisher Hall celebrating the 50th anniversary of the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks. The event included a festive program of fan favorites plus video and photos taken throughout the years honoring this beloved tradition.
Memory Project
Since 1965 the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks have not only offered great music under the stars, but have also been an opportunity for family outings, reunions with friends, elaborate picnics, first dates, marriage proposals, and more. Explore memorable moments below, and add your own!
Photos: 50th Anniversary of Concerts in the Parks Continues in Central Park and Brooklyn
Photos: 50th Anniversary of Concerts in the Parks Begins in Central Park
Concerts in the Parks Scavenger Hunt: Staten Island Clues
Concerts in the Parks Scavenger Hunt: Bronx Clues
Concerts in the Parks Scavenger Hunt: Queens Clues
Concerts in the Parks Scavenger Hunt: Brooklyn Clues