The schedule for this year’s concerts in Central Park has been announced – there will be two concerts in July on the 14th and 17th. Both will be followed by the annual fireworks display above the Great Lawn.

The 14th will feature Mozart’s Symphony No. 41, Jupiter – Mozart finished his Symphony No. 40 in late July, 1788; a mere 16 days later, he had completed the present Symphony No. 41—an amazing achievement by any measure.  The second piece featured will be Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 – Beethoven’s most instantly appealing symphony was first performed in Vienna in 1813, at a benefit concert for Austrian soldiers who had been wounded in the Napoleonic wars.  The driving energy and sheer exuberance of Beethoven’s Seventh sweeps everyone along before it—from the suspenseful opening to the whirlwind ending, where every part of you will feel like dancing.

July 17th will feature selections by Copland as well as selected arias from Mozart with baritone Nathan Gunn.  The concert will finish with Symphony 1 by Mahler.   

Both performances will be conducted by Alan Gilbert, Music Director of the New York Philharmonic, beginning in the 2009-10 season, the only native New Yorker to hold the post.

Performances begin at 8 p.m., so if you want seating close to the bandshell, plan to arrive at least 2 hours early — if you’re less particular, and depending on the size of your group, you can arrive up until the show begins.

Things to Bring:

* Food and drink (alcoholic beverages are not permitted in Central Park)
* Candles (it gets dark as the night goes on and it can be difficult to see your companions)
* Jacket or Sweater (after the sun sets, the temperature can drop and you’ll be happy to have it)
* Insect repellent to keep the bugs at bay away (citronella candles can also do double duty)
* Blankets to sit on (a plastic garbage bag makes a great liner between your blanket/beach towel

The Philharmonic Concerts end with a brilliant fireworks display and this year’s promises to be one of the most spectacular ever.