Last Friday’s performance of the Philharmonic on the Central Park’s Great Lawn may not have offered the perfect weather and balmy breezes of Tuesday’s performance, but the orchestra, under the direction of Alan Gilbert, more than compensated – with dramatic, if ultimately unwanted, special effects supplied by an eminent summer storm.
The first set featured Nathan Gunn with an assured and evocative vocal interpretation of Copland’s “Old American Songs”. As the light waned the crows settled back and enjoyed the music, gray skies notwithstanding. By the beginning of the second set, Mahler’s First Symphony, the sun had set. The slow build up of the orchestral work was mirrored by the dropping pressure and rising wind. One dramatic crescendo was reached almost simultaneously as a impressive bolt of lightning cracked across the south end of the Great Lawn. Unfortunately this also heralded the coming onslaught of summer showers and soon afterwards Mr. Gilbert was forced, grudgingly to give o’er to the growing storm. This also meant no fireworks, besides those provided by nature.
The event, as ever, amazed me by the almost effortless manner in which 40,000 plus people enter the park, settle themselves and share one of New York City’s most special traditions. Special kudos also to the New York Philharmonic organization for their brilliant management of the event.
About Central Park
Find all the information you need to enjoy your visit to New York City’s iconic Central Park.
Attractions
Central Park features 843 acres filled with classic architecture, gorgeous statuary and up to date sports, educational and performance facilities. Besides all of this there is the world famous Central Park Zoo and Wildlife Center and the Children’s Zoo.
Things To Do
From The Philharmonic on the Great Lawn to Shakespeare in the Park to SummerStage, Central Park offers an endless array of things to do, see, hear – and, with two full service restaurants and several cafes, taste. You can visit The Shakespeare Garden, take in a performance at the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater, take a ride on the Carousel – or just sit and people watch at Bethesda Terrace!
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Contact Info
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New York, NY, 10028