|
Launched in 1905, the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts is the world's oldest continuous free outdoor classical concert series.
This year's edition, the 121st season, runs June 9 through August 4, 2026 with five spectacular programs featuring world-class ensembles and soloists at the historic Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park (mid-park at 72nd St.). Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., no reservations are needed. All will be broadcast live and streamed on WQXR for those unable to attend in person. Visit naumburgconcerts.org for more information and programs.
This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Walter W. Naumburg International Competition, which has launched countless extraordinary young artists onto the global stage since 1926. To celebrate the occasion, the Naumburg Orchestral Concerts' season features two past winners of the competition as guest soloists.
The season kicks off on June 9 with pianist Simone Dinnerstein and her string ensemble Baroklyn with CONCORA (Connecticut Choral Artists) in a program of music by J.S. Bach and Philip Glass. On June 23, The Knights perform with Naumburg International Violin Competition winner Tessa Lark in a program of 21st century works by Caroline Shaw, Lisa Bielawa, and Christina Courtin alongside Samuel Barber's iconic Adagio for Strings. Delirium Musicum, a chamber orchestra from Los Angeles representing the next wave of classical musicians, makes its Naumburg Orchestral Concert debut on July 7 in a program of music by Schubert, Saint-Saëns, and Satie alongside Max Richter, Philip Glass, and others.
On July 21, the Orchestra of St. Luke's performs an all-Mozart program with mezzo-soprano Erin Wagner (a 2021 Naumburg Vocal Award Winner) led by Brad Lubman. To complete the season, Nosky's Baroque Band, led by violinist Aisslinn Nosky (concertmaster for Handel and Haydn Society), returns to the Bandshell on August 4 for a program of works by Bach, Telemann, and more with baroque trumpet soloist Steve Marquardt.
"When my great-grandfather Elkan Naumburg founded the series over 120 years ago, he wanted to encourage and stimulate the public's interest in symphonic and classical music," says NOC's president Christopher W. London. "It's with great pride that we manage to continue in his tradition, featuring promising new music talent, while also promoting the professional development of young composers and conductors, while also often featuring newly commissioned music."
Full program details are below. Digital press kit available here.
| 
