NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC ANNOUNCES FREE CONCERTS IN SUMMER 2025 

GUSTAVO DUDAMEL Conducts Concerts in the Parks 

Incoming Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang

Music & Artistic Director Leads Series for the First Time

June 4–7, 2025

Artwork by Oliver Jeffers

<*Soloists and Program Update, May 22, 2025>

The New York Philharmonic announces the soloists and repertoire for the 2025 Concerts in the Parks, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, the incoming Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music and Artistic Director. The NY Phil also shares additional repertoire for the Free Indoor Concert in Staten Island.

Dudamel leads the Philharmonic in four free outdoor concerts at the Great Lawn in Central Park, Manhattan (June 4); Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx (June 5); Prospect Park, Brooklyn (June 6); and Cunningham Park, Queens (June 7), which all begin at 8:00 p.m. and are followed by fireworks. The program includes Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4; a movement from Arturo Sandoval’s Trumpet Concerto No. 2, featuring Sandoval himself (in his NY Phil debut) as soloist; Gonzalo Grau’s Odisea: Concerto for Venezuelan Cuatro and Orchestra, featuring cuatro player Jorge Glem (NY Phil debut) as soloist; and three movements from the 1919 version of Stravinsky’s The Firebird Suite. Guitarist and former New York Yankee Bernie Williams will also appear as a special guest.

The program for the Free Indoor Concert in Staten Island, June 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the St. George Theatre, featuring Musicians from the New York Philharmonic, includes Mozart’s Flute Quartet No. 4, Barber’s Summer Music, and Britten’s String Quartet No. 1. 

Free Indoor Concert in Staten Island Performance by Musicians from the New York Philharmonic

Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer

The New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, take place June 4–7, 2025. Gustavo Dudamel — who becomes the Oscar L. Tang and H.M. Agnes Hsu-Tang Music & Artistic Director in September 2026 — leads the series for the first time.

Dudamel conducts the NY Phil in four free outdoor concerts at the Great Lawn in Central Park, Manhattan (June 4); Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx (June 5); Prospect Park, Brooklyn (June 6); and Cunningham Park, Queens (June 7); program to be announced. These performances begin at 8:00 p.m. and conclude with fireworks.

Following the Concerts in the Parks, Musicians from the New York Philharmonic perform a Free Indoor Concert, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at St. George Theatre in Staten Island. The program includes Britten’s String Quartet No. 1.

“The Concerts in the Parks are the most beautiful events in a New York Philharmonic season,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, President & CEO. “Beautiful because of the setting, of course, in New York City’s glorious parks, as well as the chance to experience the Philharmonic’s wonderful performances. We are grateful to Didi and Oscar Schafer for their generous support that makes it possible for the Philharmonic and thousands of New Yorkers to come together in harmony. This year is especially meaningful with Gustavo Dudamel leading the New York Philharmonic’s tour of the city as we welcome him to his future musical and artistic home.” 

The New York Philharmonic’s free parks concerts have become an iconic New York summer experience since they began in 1965, transforming parks throughout the boroughs into a patchwork of picnickers and music lovers, providing the city an opportunity to hear classical music free of charge. More than 15 million listeners have been delighted by the performances since their inception. Original artwork for this year’s series was commissioned from Northern Irish artist Oliver Jeffers. This year’s fireworks displays are presented by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks. Tickets Admission to the Concerts in the Parks is free, and tickets are not required. Admission to the Free Indoor Concert in Staten Island is free. Tickets are required and will be available at a later date at stgeorgetheatre.com. 

NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC CONCERTS IN THE PARKS Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer All concerts begin at 8:00 p.m. 

Gustavo Dudamel, conductor 

Program to be announced

#Great Lawn, Central Park, Manhattan: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 • Westside entrances: West 81st or 86th Streets at Central Park West • Eastside entrances: East 79th or 85th Streets at Fifth Avenue

#Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx: Thursday, June 5, 2025 • Enter the park from Broadway, near West 251st Street. Concert site is on the Parade Grounds toward the south.

#Prospect Park, Brooklyn: Friday, June 6, 2025 • Enter at Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park West at 9th Street, or Bartel-Pritchard Circle at the intersection of Prospect Park West, Prospect Park Southwest, and 15th Street.

#Cunningham Park, Queens: Saturday, June 7, 2025 • Enter at 193rd Street, near 81st Avenue or Union Turnpike. Concert site is at 193rd Street Field.