Photos: New York Philharmonic opens new season after 556 days

AFP | By HT Correspondent

Published on Sept 18, 2021 04:43 pm IST

Following 556 days of pandemic-inflicted cancellations and unconventional concerts, the New York Philharmonic opened its new season on September 17, a "homecoming" for musicians limited to live streams, one-off and outdoor shows for more than a year. Hundreds of people queued outside Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan's Upper Westside in evening wear, showing mandatory proof of vaccination in order to gain entry for the night of orchestral music. The September 17 show comes days after news broke that Jaap van Zweden, the Phil's maestro since 2018, will step down after the 2023-24 season. Most of the 2021-22 season will be played at two other venues at the Lincoln Center arts complex on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Share Via

Copy Link

1 / 8

Musicians during the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. After enduring months of crisis, the Phil, one of America's oldest musical institutions, re-opened its subscription season with a program featuring Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, Anna Clyne's "Within Her Arms," Aaron Copland's "Quiet City" and George Walker's "Antifonys."(Kena Betancur / AFP)

Published on Sept 18, 2021 04:43 pm IST

Musicians during the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. After enduring months of crisis, the Phil, one of America's oldest musical institutions, re-opened its subscription season with a program featuring Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, Anna Clyne's "Within Her Arms," Aaron Copland's "Quiet City" and George Walker's "Antifonys."(Kena Betancur / AFP)

2 / 8

People wait in line to attend the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. The pandemic forced the famed symphony orchestra to cancel its 2020-21 season, resulting in more than $21 million in lost ticket revenues, AFP reported.(kena Betancur / AFP)

Published on Sept 18, 2021 04:43 pm IST

People wait in line to attend the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. The pandemic forced the famed symphony orchestra to cancel its 2020-21 season, resulting in more than $21 million in lost ticket revenues, AFP reported.(kena Betancur / AFP)

3 / 8

People queue to attend the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. Catherine Colson arrived with friends ahead of what she anticipated would be "a memorable night of phenomenal music." "It was a really long year. I feel rejuvenated," she told AFP. "It's like a rebirth in a way."(Kena Betancur / AFP)

Published on Sept 18, 2021 04:43 pm IST

People queue to attend the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. Catherine Colson arrived with friends ahead of what she anticipated would be "a memorable night of phenomenal music." "It was a really long year. I feel rejuvenated," she told AFP. "It's like a rebirth in a way."(Kena Betancur / AFP)

4 / 8

Audience members wear face masks as they attend the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. On top of the challenges presented by Covid, the Phil is homeless: the orchestra's longtime base, David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, is in the middle of a major $550-million renovation, AFP reported.(Kena Betancur / AFP)

Published on Sept 18, 2021 04:43 pm IST

Audience members wear face masks as they attend the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. On top of the challenges presented by Covid, the Phil is homeless: the orchestra's longtime base, David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, is in the middle of a major $550-million renovation, AFP reported.(Kena Betancur / AFP)

5 / 8

Music Director Jaap van Zweden conducts the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. Friday's show comes days after news broke that Jaap van Zweden, the Phil's maestro since 2018, will step down after the 2023-24 season.(Kena Betancur / AFP)

Published on Sept 18, 2021 04:43 pm IST

Music Director Jaap van Zweden conducts the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. Friday's show comes days after news broke that Jaap van Zweden, the Phil's maestro since 2018, will step down after the 2023-24 season.(Kena Betancur / AFP)

6 / 8

Jaap van Zweden of the New York Philharmonic directs rehearsal at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. The conductor spent much of the pandemic in his home country of the Netherlands with his family, and cited shifting work-life balance priorities in announcing his decision.(Kena Betancur / AFP)

Published on Sept 18, 2021 04:43 pm IST

Jaap van Zweden of the New York Philharmonic directs rehearsal at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. The conductor spent much of the pandemic in his home country of the Netherlands with his family, and cited shifting work-life balance priorities in announcing his decision.(Kena Betancur / AFP)

7 / 8

Musicians perform during the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. Most of the 2021-22 season will be played at two other venues at the Lincoln Center arts complex on Manhattan's Upper West Side.(Kena Betancur / AFP)

Published on Sept 18, 2021 04:43 pm IST

Musicians perform during the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. Most of the 2021-22 season will be played at two other venues at the Lincoln Center arts complex on Manhattan's Upper West Side.(Kena Betancur / AFP)

8 / 8

Audience members wear face masks as they attend the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. "We play 130, 140 concerts a year, and you never take it for granted, but sometimes you think, 'Oh, I'm a little tired today, I've got to play this again', but not anymore -- I feel really such gratitude," the orchestra's principal trumpet player Chris Martin told AFP.(Kena Betancur / AFP)

Published on Sept 18, 2021 04:43 pm IST

Audience members wear face masks as they attend the New York Philharmonic's first concert after its reopening at the Alice Tully Hall in New York, on September 17. "We play 130, 140 concerts a year, and you never take it for granted, but sometimes you think, 'Oh, I'm a little tired today, I've got to play this again', but not anymore -- I feel really such gratitude," the orchestra's principal trumpet player Chris Martin told AFP.(Kena Betancur / AFP)

Home / Photos / News / Photos: New York Philharmonic opens new season after 556 days

SHARE

Copy

Whatsapp Twitter Facebook Linkedin

Copyright © 2026 HT Digital Streams Limited. All Rights Reserved.

Your Subscription Plan

Saved Articles

Subscribe Now!

Follow Us On