By Scott Etkin
The New York Philharmonic’s annual free concert – a tradition dating back to 1965 – returns to Central Park’s Great Lawn June 4th.
Wednesday night’s performance, at 8 p.m., will feature works by Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky, as well as Arturo Sandoval and Gonzalo Grau. Leading the orchestra will be Gustavo Dudamel, the Philharmonic’s incoming director who officially starts in the fall of 2026, replacing Jaap van Zweden.
Highlighting the program are masters of the trumpet and cuatro (a kind of guitar used in Latin American music). Bernie Williams, the former New York Yankees outfielder, will also make a guest appearance on the guitar.
No ticket reservation is needed, and concert-goers can bring picnic blankets and low-to-the-ground beach chairs. There currently isn’t rain in the forecast for Wednesday night.
The show will conclude with a fireworks display around 10 p.m. Dog owners who typically walk their pets in or near the park at night should take note, especially since Central Park’s off-leash hours begin at 9 p.m., warns Gail Buchwald, an Upper West Sider and former senior vice president at the ASPCA.
“The sudden deafening noise can cause many pets to flee in fear, becoming disoriented and lost,” Buchwald wrote in a message to West Side Rag. “Dogs’ hearing is typically four times more sensitive than ours, making loud noises sound terrifying.” And that leads to an increase in reports of lost pets after events with fireworks, like July 4 celebrations and the Philharmonic’s concert. “It’s not uncommon to see more ‘lost dog’ flyers the day after a fireworks event,” said Buchwald.
The Philharmonic’s concert is part of a five-borough concert series across the city. Upcoming shows will take place later this week in Van Cortlandt Park (the Bronx), Prospect Park (Brooklyn), Cunningham Park (Queens), and St. George Theater (Staten Island). The Philharmonic’s full calendar of events is available – HERE.
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I’ll be there with a picnic. Reason number 28 why I still love and live in this chaotic burg.
Shouldn’t the park organizers — Conservancy and Parks Department and park police — see that off-leash course are suspended during this event? Couldn’t have a bigger invitation for chaos. One reason I probably won’t go.