New York Philharmonic kicks off concerts in the parks series with stop at Van Cortlandt in the Bronx
NEW YORK -- On Tuesday night, there was another event showing how New York has gotten its groove back since the start of the pandemic.
The New York Philharmonic is bringing its music across all five boroughs for free. CBS2's Astrid Martinez was at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, where the concert series kicked off.
Notes of hope and joy coursed through the crowd.
"Being in a family friendly environment and just feeling free, after this pandemic," resident Jose Paulino said of the atmosphere.
The show marked a promising summer start in New York City.
"It's a tradition, actually, We've been coming for years and we're really excited because it has been two years since the last one," a woman named Lucy said.
"Just being outdoors and seeing other people enjoy the music," Denise Knauer added.
Knauer has been attending the iconic concert series for 20 years with her husband by her side.
"Well, I don't think there's any other venue where you can see a world class orchestra in such a beautiful setting," Lowell Knauer said.
For 57 years, the New York Philharmonic concerts in the park have been a beloved gathering experience at no cost, bringing the sounds of the orchestra to those who may have never heard it before, including children.
But due to the pandemic, the New York Philharmonic concert series had been silent for the past two years.
Its absence not only impacted the musicians, but concertgoers as well. This week marks the concerts' much-needed return.
"I enjoy the talent of the philharmonic and I like classical music, but I think it's a wonderful experience. A great part of being in New York," a Bronx resident named Armen said.
"So meaningful ... like the music, it just brings you together here. I love to see this," another person added.
Utilizing the power of music to help heal a community.
The beloved summer tradition, which will include five performances and fireworks, has been going on since 1965.
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