The New York Philharmonic awakens its tradition this summer and shares a message to New Yorkers of the importance of preservation through music.
By: Hassan Wiggins
Photo Credit: Chris Lee, https://www.nyphil.org/
For most, music holds a large significance in our everyday lives.
Whether it’s using it to focus on tasks at hand, to decompress after a tiring day, or to raise spirits and queue a celebration, music allows many to engage with their desires on a much more personal level.
The New York Philharmonic recognizes this and has opted to fuel this summer with events, wisdom, and warmth through live music in parks across the five boroughs.
Since 1965, the Philharmonic has been inspiring residents, new and old, to experience these shows in our major parks in the Big Apple. Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, this spectacular memory has not only left a deep impact on my own 2024 summer experience but on my peers as well. The show doesn't only focus on the music but branches out to speak on topics that matter within our community.
On Tuesday, June 11, the Philharmonic had its first concert in the parks event for this summer. Upon attending, I found it to be deeper than just a space to listen to an array of instruments and perfectly crafted ensembles but an opportunity to touch on the preservation of both music and natural spaces in New York.
Alongside the music, speakers from the team who preserve these public spaces spoke about the importance of Van Cortlandt Park and all public spaces in the city. Through the strength of our communities and institutions like the Phil Harmonic, insight can be spread on all accounts to reinforce the value of natural spaces in New York City. The special series was from June 11–16, 2024.
A large theme of the event focused on preservation and growth symbolic of the message being conveyed, with two young composers, both born in New York City, conducting their creative pieces for everyone to hear. Daylya Shaman played her piece titled “Floating in the Stars”; a score that brought feelings of tranquility and conclusion with a mix of both mezzo forte and piano sounds to complement its lullaby feel. David Wright on the other hand played his piece “Tarzan’s Rage”. It was a score that used a strong bass sound with a perfect mix of drums and a staccato playing style, highlighting the emotion behind the piece and the intensity of the image being painted in the listener's mind. Each song lasted two to five minutes and the crowd cheered and seemed filled with motivation that night, myself included left inspired. The night ends with a firework show and it couldn't have been a better experience.
The ability to have a space as beautiful as Van Cortlandt Park to host events like this and music that prioritizes the preservation of thought and passion shouldn’t be taken for granted. The New York Philharmonic will continue these shows throughout the summers to come and remind the community that music is a safeguard for the emotions that lie within even note played.
Copy Edited: Breanna Robinson
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