In hopes to inspire a new generation of opera lovers, The Metropolitan Opera, in collaboration with City Parks Foundation, launched its Summer Recital Series in 2009 to bring free concerts to the parks in every borough of New York. Find this year's performance schedule and helpful tips below:
2019 Performance Schedule
Date: June 10th, 2019
Time: Performance begins at 8:00 PM. Doors open at 7:00 PM.
Performers: Metropolitan stars Ying Fang (Soprano), Ben Bliss (Tenor), Nathan Gunn (Baritone), and Dan Saunders (Pianist) will perform.
ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA SUMMER RECITAL SERIES
The series is one of the most beloved summer traditions in the city, and it kicks off in Central Park's Rumsey Playfield.
The Met’s Summer Recital Series is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council, and in collaboration with the Department of Parks and Recreation. Major funding has also been provided by The Elizabeth B. McGraw Foundation, in honor of Mrs. McGraw, and the Robert Wood Johnson, Jr. Charitable Trust’s Met Parks Concert Fund.
Helpful Things to Know
LOCATION
Rumsey Playfield is located on East 72nd Street off Fifth Avenue. Map This Location
GETTING THERE
You can easily enter the park on 69th Street and 5th Avenue. The closest subway is the 6 train to 68th Street.
ADMISSION & SEATING POLICY
Seating is first-come, first-served. There is also space to listen on the grass outside of the venue. Email SummerStage@CityParksFoundation.org for questions concerning specific shows.
If you want to get into events more easily, consider a SummerStage Membership which offers members express entrance to shows, seats on the bleachers and more.
NOT PERMITTED
The following cannot be brought into the Central Park venue: backpacks and luggage larger than 16″ x 16″ x 8", glass bottles, cans, coolers, folding chairs, bikes, roller blades, scooters, skateboards, beach umbrellas, video cameras, selfie sticks, musical instruments, professional camera gear or pets (service animals are allowed).
Food and beverages are available to purchase at all shows. Menu items include burgers, hot dogs, vegetarian sandwiches, beer, and wine. At the free shows, food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted. However, glass bottles, coolers, and alcohol are not permitted.
Bags are subject to search.
Smoking and vaping is prohibited in all NYC parks.
PETS
Pets are not allowed into the shows. Service animals and seeing eye dogs are allowed.
WEATHER
Shows are RAIN or SHINE and are only cancelled in the event of dangerous conditions. Announcements are made on the Facebook & Twitter pages. Should a Benefit Concert be cancelled, refunds will be available. Cancelled shows are not rescheduled. Small umbrellas are permitted inside the venue.
ACCESSIBILITY
SummerStage is accessible to the mobility-impaired. For additional information please call (212) 360-2789 and ask to speak with the Volunteer Coordinator.
To obtain the Parks Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), please call (800) 281-5722.