NY Philharmonic to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of Concerts in the Parks This Summer

In June 2015 the New York Philharmonic will mark the 50th anniversary of its historic Concerts in the Parks, the iconic series of free outdoor performances that has been enjoyed by more than 14 million concertgoers since it was introduced in August 1965. The centerpiece of the Philharmonic's celebration will be five free performances throughout the boroughs of New York City, June 17-23, 2015; this will be complemented by a variety of activities, ranging from performances to crowdsourcing memories of parks concerts, and other online and educational projects.

The 2015 Concerts in the Parks will be led by Music Director Alan Gilbert - who will appear at the Great Lawn in Central Park, Manhattan (June 17), Cunningham Park, Queens (June 22), and Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx (June 23) - and by Charles Dutoit, who will lead concerts on the Great Lawn in Central Park, Manhattan (June 18) and in Prospect Park, Brooklyn (June 19). Violinist Joshua Bell, a New York Philharmonic Board Member, returns to the series after 14 years; the other soloists are violinist Renaud Capuc?on and soprano Julia Bullock, both of whom will be making their New York Philharmonic debuts, as well as a tenor to be announced. In addition, musicians from the New York Philharmonic will perform a Free Indoor Concert in Staten Island (date and venue to be announced). The 2015 New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks are presented, for the ninth consecutive year, by Didi and Oscar Schafer.

As part of the celebratory activities, the Philharmonic is creating Crowdsourcing Memories: 50 Years of the Philharmonic in New York City's Parks, an online portal through which the public can share their personal Concerts in the Parks memories. These submissions will be preserved forever in the New York Philharmonic Archives (which maintains the Orchestra's historical treasures dating back to its founding in 1842), and many will be featured throughout the Concerts in the Parks 50th-anniversary celebrations, including on the Philharmonic's website. Members of the public are invited to contribute their memories of the Philharmonic's parks concerts since 1965 - not only favorite musical moments under the stars, but also family outings, reunions with friends, elaborate picnics, first dates, marriage proposals, and more - through photographs, home movies, and personal recollections. For information on how to submit material, visit nyphil.org/parks50memory.

"It an amazing honor to be part of the New York Philharmonic when we mark the 50th anniversary of this magnificent series," said Music Director Alan Gilbert. "I grew up with the parks concerts and have sensed from both sides - the audience and the stage - how powerful a force it is in New York City's life. I love the parks concerts: it is one of the most important things we do, and I've enjoyed planning how we will mark the occasion. The all-American program we have come up with is full of energy and excitement - a wonderful way to mark this important celebration."

"The New York Philharmonic is one of the finest orchestras in the world, and each year thousands of New Yorkers eagerly await the chance to see them play on the greatest stage: New York City itself," said New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl. "I applaud the Philharmonic for its incredible commitment to this city and for creating this indispensable summer tradition over the last half century. Every time I attend one of these performances, I'm thrilled to witness the size and diversity of the audiences - and the unique power of art to bring us all together."

"For 50 years the New York Philharmonic has delighted millions of New Yorkers with free summertime outdoor concerts in the parks," said New York City Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. "This year - on the occasion of the golden 50th anniversary - we are thrilled to welcome the New York Philharmonic back for what has become one of our most favorite summertime experiences. Listening to beautiful music in the open air is a highlight of New York City's summers and we are pleased that the Philharmonic is continuing to partner with us to continue this wonderful tradition."

"The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks has demonstrated what a valuable resource an orchestra can be for its community on a grand scale for half a century," said President Matthew VanBesien. "These events set the finest performances in the informal setting of New York City's beautiful parks. I am pleased that the Archives' first-ever crowdsourcing project will collect, preserve, and share memories from the public, who range from music connoisseurs to those who've never before attended a classical performance. I salute Didi and Oscar Schafer and New York City itself for their steadfast support that has allowed us to continue this worthy endeavor into the 21st century."

"Didi and I both feel that our proudest act has been to support the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks," said Chairman Oscar Schafer. "Many people discover the beauties of classical music through these concerts, with more than 14 million attending them since they first began. I have long admired the New York Philharmonic musicians, and applaud Alan Gilbert and Matthew VanBesien for their devotion to this series. It has been an honor to help them share their music with all of New York and I look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come."

The 50th anniversary summer of the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks will open June 17 with Music Director Alan Gilbert conducting an all-American program that features violinist Joshua Bell performing the suite from Bernstein's West Side Story that he played in his previous Concerts in the Parks appearances, in July 2001; the program also includes Barber's The School for Scandal Overture, Gershwin's Lullaby, Copland's Appalachian Spring, Leroy Anderson's Fiddle-Faddle, Rodgers's The Carousel Waltz, and Sousa's The Liberty Bell. Charles Dutoit then conducts the Orchestra in Franco-Russian concerts: Berlioz's Roman Carnival Overture; Saint-Sae?ns's Violin Concerto No. 3, with Renaud Capuc?on as soloist; Stravinsky's Petrushka (1911 version); and Ravel's La Valse. Alan Gilbert returns in a variant of the all- American program featuring Bernstein's West Side Story Concert Suite No. 1, performed by soprano Julia Bullock and a tenor to be announced.

The performances in Central Park, Manhattan; Prospect Park, Brooklyn; Cunningham Park, Queens; and Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, begin at 8:00 p.m. and will be followed by fireworks by Bay Fireworks.

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