New York Profiles: What’s Happening in Classic Arts This Week
Find out what’s happening in the opera, concert, and dance scene this week.
Gustavo Dudamel and the New York Philharmonic, 2023
Fadi Kheir
From Bryant Park to MoMA, the classic arts scene in New York is never quiet. Here is just a sampling of some of the classic arts events happening this week.
The New York Philharmonic kicks off its 2025-2026 season this week with a concert led by Artistic Director Designate Gustavo Dudamel. The concert, themed around the American identity, will include the world premiere of Leilehua Lanzilotti’s of light and stone, a New York Philharmonic commission. The program also includes Bela Bartók’s Piano Concerto No. 3, written in 1945 while the Hungarian composer was living as a refugee in New York City; and concludes with the second symphony by Charles Ives.
The American Symphony Orchestra debuts its 2025-26 season at Bryant Park on Friday September 12. The concert, dubbed New York Profiles, showcases five American composers reflecting the diversity of musical styles of mid-20th-century America. The program includes Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring, Henry Cowell’s Hymn and Fuguing Tune No. 10, Julia Perry’s A Short Piece for Small Orchestra, Ulysses Kay’s The Quiet One, and Norman Dello Joio’s New York Profiles.
Countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo stars as opera diva Maria Magdalena Galas in Charles Ludlam’s Galas, at Little Island, running through September 28. Eric Ting directs the 1983 comedy, which is inspired by the life of Maria Callas. The production, running through September 28, also stars Carmelita Tropicana, Mary Testa, Caleb Eberhardt, Erin Markey, Patricia Black, Samora la Perdida, Austin Durant, and Jeremy Rafal.
September 9, L’Alliance New York will present a screening of Chantal Akerman’s travelogue film D’Est with live musical accompaniment provided by cellist Sonia Wieder-Atherton and pianist Sarah Rothenberg. The word-less film explores the lives of people in Eastern Europe following the collapse of the Soviet Bloc. The live film score will include works by Bartók, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Ravel, and more.
The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of New York presents a concert performance of The Pirates of Penzance at Pearl Studios September 13, kicking off its 2025-26 season of monthly presentations. The principal roles are played by soloists from Gilbert and Sullivan companies around the city, while the audience is invited to sing along with the choruses.
Dancers from the Limón Dance Company will give a free modern dance class the morning of Saturday September 13 on the lawn of Bryant Park. The class is open to all ages and experience levels.
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