UPDATE: The current weather forecast calls for rain right around concert time tonight. No word yet from the Phil on any possible postponement.
Well, it's another sweltering day in New York, but that won't stop the NY Phil from their annual free Parks Concerts, which kick off tonight at Prospect Park in Brooklyn. As he has in each of his four years as Music Director, Alan Gilbert leads the orchestra, which tonight features a program of Strauss tone poems, Smetana's Ma Vlast and Tchiakovsky's Romeo and Juliet overture, with fireworks to follow.
By the end of the week, the Phil will have traveled to all five boroughs, including a pair of concerts with violinist Joshua Bell that are sure to pack the rafters. More details here, with addition info after the jump.
July 9, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, 8:00 pm
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.
July 10, Cunningham Park, Queens, 8:00 pm
Enter at 193rd Street, near 81st Avenue or Union Turnpike. Concert site is at 193rd Street Field.
July 11 & 14, Central Park, Manhattan, 8:00 pm
Westside entrances: West 81st or 86th Streets at Central Park West
Eastside entrances: East 79th or 85th Streets at Fifth Avenue
July 13, Indoor Concert at College of Staten Island, CUNY Center for the Arts, Staten Island, 3:00 pm (SOLD OUT)
July 15, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, 8:00 pm
Enter the park at Broadway & W.246 St. Concert site is east side of the Parade Ground.