“At last the New York Philharmonic can start to emerge from our musical quarantine,” said President and CEO Deborah Borda regarding the Philharmonic’s updated Fall 2020 activities, announced today.
These new activities, which replace the previously announced cancelled performances through January 5, 2021, present a mix of live, socially distanced performances throughout New York City and newly recorded performances for broadcast on social media and NY Phil Plays On.
First up: NY Phil Bandwagon, with an eight-week run beginning August 28, will bring live music back to New York City, engaging new audiences in all five boroughs from a customized pick-up truck that serves as a stage for free, “pull-up” concerts for the community. Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, producer of the project, joins small ensembles of Philharmonic musicians for the launch of this new, experimental format. The repertoire will include several World Premieres commissioned for this initiative by Anthony Barfield, Viet Cuong, Carlos Simon, and a participant in the New York Philharmonic Very Young Composers Program. Specific programming and surprise guest artists will be announced at each performance; locations will not be announced in advance.
Ellen Reid SOUNDWALK — a GPS-enabled work of public art that uses music to illuminate the natural environment. New Yorkers enjoying Central Park’s 840 acres beginning September 10 can download a free app that will access Reid’s soundscape, crafted to harmonize with the park’s landscape and attractions. Ellen Reid SOUNDWALK features fragments of music written by Project 19 composer and Pulitzer Prize–winner Ellen Reid, performed by Philharmonic musicians; the Young People’s Chorus of New York City: Francisco J. Núñez, founder / artistic director; Poole and the Gang; and the SOUNDWALK Ensemble. It will be available through 2020.
That’s only the beginning. Other Fall 2020 digital initiatives will include the continuation of Project 19, the Philharmonic’s multiyear initiative celebrating the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment through commissions of 19 new works by 19 women composers, and Holidays with the NY Phil, including the annual Holiday Brass concert. Additional details to be announced.
