By Robin Cohn
I heard beautiful classical guitar in Central Park this morning. Then again, I hear it every day as I take my early morning walk. Gifted classical guitar player Carlos Konig plays in the Bethesda Arcade, the beautiful arched interior walkway linking the Mall and Bethesda Fountain and the Central Park Lake, mid park around 72nd Street.
Classically trained in his native Chile and New York, Carlos has a vast repertoire, including classical, popular, Latin, and his own work. Often, I find Carlos playing to himself, lost in the music. Other times, when he hears me clomping down the steps towards him, he begins playing my favorites. Regulars wave or stop to chat. While some people go by oblivious, many passersby stop to listen.
Vignettes occur daily. You’ll see the dog Brie stretched out in front of him, a rapt listener. At times she rests her chin on Carlos’s knee as he plays. A young woman sits next to Carlos playing her harmonica to his accompaniment. When he sees children, he plays songs to entice them. You’ll often find him strumming birthday and graduation music for those celebrating around him. And he takes requests.
You’ll spot Carlos, a West Sider, riding his bike to and from the park. With his great passion for music, Carlos feels himself lucky to be surrounded by nature, seated in a beautiful walkway framed by arches featuring a stunning tiled ceiling. He says he hopes his music adds to the park’s beauty. It certainly does.
Year round, his desire to share his music is a gift for visitors from all walks of life. And, of course, me. His “office hours” are 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Like the Bethesda Arcade, created in the 1860s, Carlos is a Central Park treasure. Take advantage of his feast of beautiful music serenading those lucky enough to listen.
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I’ve listened to him during our morning walks – he is absolutely terrific and very talented.
I’ve become a little jaded, always seeing the same terrible performers playing the same songs in the same locations daily.
But this one I could listen to forever.
Thank you Robin! I may make the trip up from the Philly suburbs where I live to hear him. Wound be interested to know what days of the week he’s usually playing.
He plays every day, including weekends. And, in the winter, too!
Carlos is also a well loved Salsa instructor and hosts salsa socials at various locations including Central Park!
Thank you for highlighting the magical Carlos. My favorite is when choir groups visiting NYC find him and he plays their favorites and they all sing with him. I’ve seen/heard it twice and it moved me to tears both times. Thank you Carlos for bringing your gifts to all of us and thank you WSR for shining a light on this treasure among us.
He is indeed a treasure. He’s made a CD that he sells. I own recordings of many renowned classical guitarists, but when I really need to decompress, I put on Carlos.
The perfect musician for the Heart of Central Park, stunning Bethesda Terrace & Arcade. Thank you Carlos for sharing your talent!💕
His music is magical.
He is an amazing talent. The sound of his guitar echoing within the arcade is so soothing and relaxing. I sit on the steps and drink my morning coffee staring at the fountain as he plays.
Quintessential NYC morning ritual.
Carlos is a true gem, making every morning in the park a little more beautiful.
love pure sounds
One time a few years ago, a Central Park volunteer asked Carlos to play Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquín Rodrigo. He still plays it each time the volunteer is approaching him.
I have become friends with Carlos over the last few years. Always with a smile on his face. Always brings a smile to my face. His birthday is next month. Make sure to wish him a happy birthday.
Thank you for this article, been hearing him play for number of years now and even asked him to play at our wedding ceremony which was held right there at the Bethesda Arcade. It was magical.
I was lucky enough to discover Carlos during NYC’s lockdown, when my daily Central Park walks became an important part of my daily routine. After months of daily visits, I asked if he would be able to play the ceremonial music at my upcoming wedding. We met and as I talked about my vision, he would say “oh yes, of course I know that song,” or, “send me the music and I will be sure to learn it.” He even met with a former student of mine who was to sing our first song to practice for the big day. He is not only talented, but so kind, and was such a beautiful part of the most beautiful day. He allowed me to have a piece of NYC, and of Central Park, with me on my wedding day. I’m so glad he’s getting some recognition for the joy he brings people each day.
I hardly stop to listen to any performers as I am quite picky. But I could listen to Carlos for hours. He is a talented, humble, and warm person, and his rendition of many pieces of music shows the warmth of his heart. I was also blown away by his dedication to music when I saw him on a very bitter cold winter day in the middle of lockdown. Carlos was playing even when nobody was around. One of my favorite moments is when I happen to pass by him when he is playing Brazilian music as well as the Classical. It’s a beautiful treat!