To commemorate the 400th anniversary of New York City’s founding, the New York Philharmonic will join with Founded By NYC with subscription concerts and a panel discussion exploring different facets of the city’s rich musical legacy.
On December 3–6 at David Geffen Hall, Gustavo Gimeno in his New York Philharmonic debut leads a New York City–themed program.
Three Dance Episodes from Bernstein’s “On the Town” a musical about three sailors on shore leave in New York City which opened on Broadway in 1944 and was one of the early composing successes for Leonard Bernstein, who would go on to be New York Philharmonic Music Director from 1958 to 1969. The Philharmonic has frequently performed these selections from “On the Town,” including on tour in Europe, at the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, and at Young People’s Concerts.
Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F, features Hélène Grimaud as soloist on the 100th anniversary of its World Premiere, December 3, 1925. Among the most famous works by New York City native George Gershwin, it was commissioned and premiered by the New York Symphony, which later merged with the New York Philharmonic, led by Walter Damrosch.
Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, From the New World; Dvořák composed his ninth symphony while serving as director of the National Conservatory of Music in New York City. It received its World Premiere in December 1893 by the New York Philharmonic, with Dvořák himself in the audience, led by then Music Director Anton Seidl.
In addition to these concerts, the New York Philharmonic and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts co-present “Culture: NYC and the American Voice,” a free panel discussion, as part of the Variations on America discussion series, that explores New York City’s contributions to the American cultural voice in the performing arts and literature. The event, which takes place at Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium on December 2, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. is moderated by Juilliard professor Fredara Hadley and includes writer Rumaan Alam, filmmaker Ric Burns, and composer and Lincoln Center Visionary Artist Jeanine Tesori as speakers.
In 2024 and 2025 the New York Quadricentennial Committee, civic institutions, and cultural organizations throughout the city have commemorated the 400th anniversary of New York City’s founding — marked by the first permanent Dutch settlement in Manhattan in 1624 and the establishment of Fort Amsterdam in 1625 — with events and activities celebrating the city’s vibrant cultural history.
In addition to the orchestral concerts and panel discussion, the NY Phil commemorates its home city’s musical history through the USA 250: The New York Philharmonic and American Music archival exhibit in David Geffen Hall’s Katherine and Gary W. Parr Gallery, open now through February 1, 2026.
The exhibit spotlights Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 and Gershwin’s Piano Concerto in F; works by New York City–born composers George Frederick Bristow (a former Philharmonic Concertmaster) and Deems Taylor; former Mayor Fiorello La Guardia leading the Orchestra in a concert following World War II, at Lewisohn Stadium; and Leonard Bernstein’s activities promoting New York City–associated composers Aaron Copland, Elliott Carter, and Charles Ives.
Tickets to New York Philharmonic performances may be purchased online at nyphil.org or by calling (212) 875-5656. Tickets may also be purchased at the Welcome Center at David Geffen Hall.
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