Festival Orchestra Of Lincoln Center Music & Artistic Director Johnthan Heyward Shares His New York Loves
The concerts put on by the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center are a big tourist attraction and one of my favorite pastimes in New York, come summer. The concerts are incredible and practically free to attend. They get you outdoors, listening to great music, and give you a sense of place.
This year, the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center celebrates its second season under Music and Artistic Director Jonathon Heyward. The lineup features exciting premieres and commissions paired with timeless classics and runs through August 9, 2025. 2025 also sees Heyward's continued exploration of Robert Schumann's four symphonies through the lens of mental health, presented in collaboration with the Jameel Arts & Health Lab, established with the World Health Organization (WHO).
The orchestra performs at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall, and tickets are Choose-What-You-Pay starting at $5.
I caught up with Heyward recently about his New York loves.
Where do you live when you're in New York City?
Steps away from Hell's Kitchen.
What is your favorite neighborhood in the city and why?
Harlem, because my family is from there and still lives there.
Can you share some of your favorite spots near Lincoln Center and what makes them so great?
I love Central Park, it's a nice, calm oasis. I also love looking over the Hudson at Riverside Park, it's very peaceful.
The best place for a pre-or post-concert meal and why. What are the dishes to order? Cafe Fiorello— I always get the daily special!
Best Upper West Side watering hole and the drink to get?
The lobby bar at David Geffen Hall. My favorite is the Negroni!
Insider tips for enjoying a classical music concert. Anything to make the experience better?
Come with an open mind and an open heart.
What other orchestra performances or festivals are on your radar right now?
The Blossom Music Festival in Cleveland has a number of exciting things, including movie screenings and classical concerts with The Cleveland Orchestra (including one I'm conducting!) and I'm looking forward to an amazing 25-26 season with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, my other job.
Share your insider New York gems?
I love the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens which has The Jim Henson Exhibition, with The Muppets. And right next door is Frank Sinatra School of the Arts which has very talented students (that we at the Festival Orchestra are lucky enough to get to work with)
Can you share your favorite concert halls around the world and why?
The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam has wonderful acoustics. Powell Hall in St. Louis, too. I haven't been back since the renovation but loved it pre-renovation. And David Geffen Hall right here in NYC, I love performing here with our orchestra.
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