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The Naumburg Orchestral Concerts presents The Knights and violinist Tessa Lark on June 23

Program celebrates America's 250th anniversary showcasing the power and beauty of American music

Highlights include NY premiere of Lisa Bielawa's violin concerto PULSE and Caroline Shaw's "The Mountain That Loved a Bird" narrated by Jamie Bernstein

On Tuesday, June 23 at 7:30 pm, Naumburg Orchestral Concerts continues its 2026 season with The Knights and violinist Tessa Lark at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park (mid-park at 72nd St.). The concert is free and will be broadcast live and streamed on WQXR.

The program features the NY premiere of Lisa Bielawa's violin concerto PULSE with Naumburg Competition winner and Grammy-nominated soloist Tessa Lark. The work weaves hymns and fiddle tunes into a bold, modern concerto. Other program highlights include Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings," Christina Courtin's "rhapsody on being giant proof" - part of The Knights' multi-year Rhapsody commissioning project, inspired by the centennial of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue - and Caroline Shaw's "The Mountain That Loved a Bird," narrated by Jamie Bernstein.

The concert is part of the The Knights' "This Music is Your Music: America at 250" celebration, showcasing the multifaceted potential and power of American music—rooted in history, alive in the present, shaped by many voices, and brimming with possibility.

The season continues on July 7 with the NYC debut of LA's Delirium Musicum directed by violinist Etienne Gara. The program features music by Saint-Saëns, Gabriella Smith, Richter, Schubert, and more.

Concerts at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park continue through August 4. Performers include Orchestra of St. Luke's with mezzo-soprano Erin Wagner, and Nosky's Baroque Band with trumpet soloist Steve Marquardt. Full program details are below. Digital press kit available here.