ARTS, BRIEFLY; Music Director Vows to Restore Philharmonic's Free Summer Concert

There will be no free concerts in the parks for the New York Philharmonic this summer. But Alan Gilbert, the orchestra's music director, has given his word that situation will change in 2012......Mr. Gilbert did not specify in the e-mail how far into the future he envisions the free summer concerts continuing once they are resumed. He mentioned private benefactors ..., who have made a commitment to the series through 2013.... Mr. Tommasini noted that ''with orchestras across America buckling under challenges from the poor economy, it is more crucial than ever to entice new audiences'' through outreach programs such as the free parks concerts, which he said have become ''a beloved New York summer ritual.''— Larry Rohter, The New York Times. June 23, 2011. Read More