NEW YORK—The New York Philharmonic kicked off its Concerts in the Parks series with its first concert on Tuesday night in Central Park.
Conducted by Bramwell Tovey, the New York Philharmonic definitely had a feeling of patriotism heading into Tuesday's concert, a fitting thing given that the Fourth of July is approaching soon. The orchestra played pieces by Shostakovich (Festive Overture, Op. 96) and Mendelssohn (Symphony No. 4 in A major, Op. 90), but the highlight of the evening was without a doubt their rendition of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture (Op. 49) and Sousa's "Washington Post," "Liberty Bell," and "Stars and Stripes Forever" marches.
Sousa's "Three Marches" represent the very best of all of Sousa's patriotic marches, and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is commonly played at Fourth of July celebrations.
Tuesday's concert opened with the string ensemble from Opus 118 Harlem School of Music, led by Roberta Guaspari, and ended with a burst of fireworks.
The New York Philharmonic will continue its annual Concerts in the Parks series for its 44th consecutive year. This year's Concerts in the Parks is presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, whose gift of $5 million has made the series of concerts possible.
"Helping to preserve the free New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks is an ideal way to share our love of music with others," said the Schafers. "These wonderful concerts … have been this great orchestra's gift to our extraordinary city for more than four decades. It is our privilege to support these glorious summer concerts so that enduring masterpieces of music can be heard and enjoyed by the people of New York."
This year's concerts have new features that will surely resonate with Philharmonic fans. Concertgoers who were at the Philharmonic concert at Central Park on Tuesday could vote for the music they wanted through their cell phones. Additionally, the Philharmonic is conducting a photo contest, with the winner getting a free pair of tickets to the Philharmonic's concert at the Lincoln Center.
The Concerts in the Parks tour hits Staten Island on July 8, Holmdel, N.J., on July 9, Queens on July 10, The Bronx on July 11, Long Island on July 12, Brooklyn on July 14, and then ends with another concert at Central Park in Manhattan on July 15. Admittance is free. Visit New York Philharmonic's Web site at www.nyphil.org for details.
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