Spring there on WNYC, and we'll end today with another installment in our Pledge Drive mini-series,

looking ahead to the cultural events coming up this summer in New York City. Today we're

going a little highbrow, you might say, to talk about classical music and opera with our friend

from our sister station, WQXR, midday host Elliot Forrest. Hey, Elliot. Hey, Elliot.

Hey, Brian. Let's start with the very popular New York Philharmonic concerts, five concerts, one per borough again this year.

Staten Islands I see is indoors with no fireworks.

Maybe thank goodness if they're indoors.

But what about the full-length outdoor ones?

Well, first of all, it's always great to just bring a little wine, a cheese, a little food, be outside, and hear

the New York Philharmonic. They start off on June 4th in Central Park, then Van Cortland

part in the Bronx, then Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Cunningham Park in Queens, and then, as you

said, indoors at the St. George Theater on Staten Island. I was a little surprised to tell you

the truth, that it will be conducted

by Gustavo Dutamel, who's not really expected to take the leadership role until September.

But I guess he can't wait, and we can't wait to have Gustavo Dutemel be a part of New York City,

and he'll be conducting all of the parks concerts this summer.

Do you have any idea whether it's a special experience for a conductor

like him to do something in a place like Central Park or Van Cortland Park or is it kind of a pain

because the acoustics aren't great outdoors? Well, I think you, I think it's both. I mean,

I've talked to a number of musicians and conductors. You know, it can be really hot and it can be really rainy. And then there's bugs. And they go, we got to bring, you know, something in case the wind blows our music around. But I think they really love it. You know, it's a way to connect to the people. And I think they get so many people who may not come indoors to come to these great concerts in the park. It's always great fun.

Do you know why indoors on Staten Island? I don't. I don't know what they have outdoors that they

can't do, but that's what they're going to do. Also in Central Park, there will once again be a series

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