City Parks Foundation & Met Opera Announces The Met at SummerStage 7/12-29

City Parks Foundation, in association with The Metropolitan Opera, today announced a series of free operatic recitals as part of the 2010 season of SummerStage that will take place in parks throughout the city.

The Met's Summer Recital Series, launched last year and again presented in collaboration with City Parks Foundation, features six free concerts in all five boroughs July 12-29. No tickets are required. The opening recital kicks off at Central Park SummerStage at 8:00 pm with acclaimed baritone Nathan Gunn joined by rising opera stars Susanna Phillips (soprano) and Michael Fabiano (tenor). They will be accompanied by pianists Julie Gunn and JoNathan Kelly. The series continues with recitals featuring Monica Yunus, Phillips, Fabiano, Matthew Plenk, and Donovan Singletary, with performances that will take place in Crotona Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Tappen Park, Queensbridge Park, and Jackie Robinson Park.

"City Parks Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Metropolitan Opera again this year to bring the Met's Summer Recital Series to audiences throughout New York City," said David Rivel, Executive Director of City Parks Foundation. "City Parks Foundation has a long history of bringing free performances right into neighborhood parks, and this series will only further connect people with their park through the arts."

"We are delighted to share our artists and our operas with the public throughout New York this summer," said Met General Manager Peter Gelb.

The Met's Summer Recital Series is presented in partnership with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Commissioner Kate D. Levin, and the Department of Parks and Recreation, Commissioner Adrian Benepe.

"The Metropolitan Opera's Summer Recital Series demonstrates the institution's extraordinary commitment to broadening access and building diverse cultural audiences," said Commissioner Levin. "This summer's program of concerts in all five boroughs will offer all New Yorkers a unique chance to hear some of the most dynamic performers working in opera today."

"The Metropolitan Opera's annual concert series in New York City's parks is one of the most beloved summertime traditions in the city," said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "I would like to thank the Met and City Parks Foundation for continuing to bring world-class performances to free and unique outdoor settings in neighborhood parks. Once again, this year's program is sure to inspire a whole new generation of opera lovers."

For more information about these shows, as well as the most up-to-date scheduling and line-up for all SummerStage programming, visit our newly redesigned home on the web at http://www.SummerStage.org

City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. We work in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level. Our programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 people each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City.

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