During these dog days of summer, many New Yorkers hope to escape the city. But while the air can be hot and sticky, it also will be filled with incredible music. Some of the world’s finest performers will be offering free concerts in outdoors settings throughout the city’s five boroughs.
Alan Gilbert & NY Phil Photo:Chris Lee
The New York Philharmonic, one of the world’s finest orchestras, will offer free concerts in the city’s parks:
- July 11 – Prospect Park, Brooklyn: 8pm
- July 12 – Cunningham Park, Queens, 193rd Street Field: 8pm
- July 13 – Central Park, Manhattan: Great Lawn: 8pm
- July 15 – NY Phil Brass at CUNY Center for the Arts, Staten Island (indoor):3pm
- July 16 – Central Park, Manhattan: Great Lawn: 8pm
- July 17 – Van Cortland Park, Bronx: 8pm
See the NY Phil’s website for program details.
The Metropolitan Opera’s Summer Recital Series returns, showcasing some of the Met’s (and the world’s) finest young singers. The series kicks off with a concert at Central Park SummerStage, featuring rising opera stars soprano Danielle de Niese, bass-baritone John Del Carlo, and tenor Dimitri Pittas.
- July 25 – Central Park Summer Stage: 8pm
- July 27 – Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn: 7pm
- July 31 – Crotona Park, Bronx: 7pm
- August 2 – Cloves Lakes Park, Staten Island: 7pm
- August 7 – Jackie Robinson Park, Manhattan: 7pm
- August 9 – Socrates Park, Queens: 7pm
For concert rosters and park information, see the Met’s website.
Central Park’s Naumberg Bandshell (located at the north end of the Mall) continues its century-old tradition of presenting free classical concerts to New Yorkers. The programs will begin with The Knights, the acclaimed collaborative orchestra, and conclude with a celebration of Argentine composer Astor Piazzolia. New York Grand Opera will also take the stage for a performance of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.”
- July 10 – The Knights: 7:30pm
- July 18 – Madama Butterfly: 7:30pm
- July 24 – The Knights: 7:30pm
- August 7 – Astor Piazzolia tribute: 7:30pm
For more information and concert programs go here, or to NY Grand Opera’s site.
Shakespeare in the Park continues its 2012 season with a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” July 23 – August 25. Tickets are free, and can be obtained by lining up in Central Park or online lottery. More information can be found here.
Finally, Broadway in Bryant Park will present free lunchtime concerts featuring the casts of Broadway and off-Broadway shows (including a few previews of new shows for the upcoming season). The concerts take place Thursdays, July 12 – August 16 at 12:30pm. For a roster of shows performing and more details, see the park’s website.
