Naumburg Orchestral Concerts announces 115^th season of free summer concerts

This summer’s performances will again take place at Temple Emanu-El during the ongoing renovation of the Naumburg Bandshell

Lineup features series debuts of Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra and Ulysses String Quartet with Marc-André Hamelin and Lara St. John, with returning ensembles East Coast Chamber Orchestra, The Knights, and A Far Cry

Naumburg Orchestral Concerts, the longest-running series of its type in the world, announces its 115^th season of free summer concerts, running from June 17 to July 21, 2020. Due to the ongoing renovation of the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park, Naumburg Orchestral Concerts will continue its partnership with Temple Emanu-El for all five concerts this season.

Summer 2020’s slate of ensembles includes the return of New York-based The Knights and East Coast Chamber Orchestra as well as Boston-based A Far Cry. Two groups make their series debut this season: Ulysses String Quartet with Mark-André Hamelin and Lara St. John, and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. Find full program information for all five ensembles below.

“As the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts enters its 115^th season, we are grateful that Temple Emanu-El has agreed to host our concerts for a second season while repairs to the Naumburg Bandshell continue,” said Christopher London, President of the Board of Naumburg Orchestral Concerts. “The audience response to the venue was overwhelmingly positive, and we hope they will join us this summer for more exciting and musically varied programs, from returning and new ensembles to the series.”

All concerts will take place at 7 PM at Temple Emanu-El (Fifth Avenue at 65^th Street, New York, NY 10065). Tickets are free but reservations are required. Visit naumburgconcerts.org or call 212-501-7809 for more information.

Complete Season Listing

Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at 7 PM 
East Coast Chamber Orchestra
Shai Wosner, piano 

Maureen Nelson, A Renaissance Suite
Clara Schumann, A Love Suite (arranged by Michi Wiancko) 
J.S. Bach, Chaconne (by Michi Wiancko) 
Silvestrov, “The Messenger” for Piano and Strings
W.A. Mozart, Piano Concerto No.12, K. 414 in A Major

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 7 PM
The Knights
Eric Jacobsen, conductor
Colin Jacobsen, violin

Colin Jacobsen, New Work (New York Premiere) 
Ludwig van Beethoven, Kreutzer Concerto, Colin Jacobsen, violin soloist – [original concept and arrangement: Eric Jacobsen, orchestration: Michael P. Atkinson]
Leos Janacek, Kreutzer Sonata, arranged by The Knights for chamber orchestra 
Johannes Brahms, selections from Hungarian Dances arranged by The Knights for chamber orchestra

Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at 7 PM   
A Far Cry
Kinan Azmeh, clarinet

Kareem Roustom, Dabke
Kinan Azmeh, Ibn Arabi Postlude
Dinuk Wijeratne, Clarinet Concerto
Antonín Dvorák, “American” Quartet, arr. for AFC

Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 7 PM
Ulysses String Quartet with Marc-André Hamelin, piano, and Lara St. John, violin
“A Tribute to France”  

Claude Debussy, Sonata for violin and piano, L. 140

            Allegro vivo
            Intermède: Fantasque et léger
            Finale: Très animé

Maurice Ravel, String Quartet in F major

            Allegro moderato – très doux 
            Assez vif – très rythmé
            Très lent
            Vif et agité

Amédée-Ernest Chausson, Concert in D for violin, piano and string quartet, Op 21

             Décidé
             Sicilienne
             Grave
             Très animé

Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 7 PM   
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra
Richard Egarr, conductor & harpsichord
“The Well-Caffeinated Clavier”

J.S. Bach, Harpsichord Concerto No. 7 in G minor, BWV 1058
J. S. Bach, Cantata No. 211, Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht, BWV 211, “Coffee Cantata”
J. S. Bach, Harpsichord Concerto No. 1 in D minor, BWV 1052 
J. S. Bach, Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, BWV 1068

About Naumburg Orchestral Concerts

Since 1905, the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts has continuously presented free, outdoor classical music concerts to New Yorkers of all walks of life.  It is the oldest such concert series in the world.  Named after founder and philanthropist Elkan Naumburg, who donated the Naumburg Bandshell to New York City in 1923, and inspired by his own ardent love of music, the series seeks to stimulate and encourage new and expanded audiences for classical music in the informal and beautiful setting of Central Park.

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