#bryantparknyc

[usadvlottery]

Most Beautiful Looking of Fountain at Bryant Park,

New York City, United States of America 🌎

[lukasnovo]

Detail of the brilliant American Radiator Building (now @Bryantparkhotel). Prints now available! 👉 https://shop.lukasnovo.com/product/american-radiator-bryant-park-hotel/

[dalight01]

#Repost @what_i_saw_in_nyc (@get_repost) ・・・ Photo by @craigsbeds Empire #newyork #springinnewyork #bryantparknyc #streetsofnewyork #timessquare #nyc#what_i_saw_in_nyc #streetsofnyc #empire #seeyourcity #ladyliberty #springtime #wtc#brooklyn #explorenyctoday #newyorkstream #nyloveyou #spring #newyorker #Manhattan#empire #brooklyn#manhattan #cool #sunset #empirestatebuilding #newyorkcity#flatiron #aerialcinematography

[jollyfoxy-blog]

There is a fountain in @bryantparknyc It's huge, it's beautiful, the water is always running. It standands opposite to the large Christmas tree, with the ice skating rink in between those two. The composition is gorgeous. But...it's so damn cold bow that even this piece of beauty is frozen! #fountain #ice #winter #water #outdoors #Bryantpark #bryantparknyc #iceskating #icerink #nyc #nycphotography #photography #nycphotographers #nycphoto #streetphotography #mirorlessphoto #sonyalpha #helios44_2 #vintagelens #vintagephoto #frozen #frozenwater #icyfountain (at Winter Village at Bryant Park)

[nyc-urbanism]

The New York Public Library's storage stacks below the #BryantPark lawn. The #stacks connect to the library using a 62-foot long tunnel. Recently the library abandoned plans to move the 2.5 million research works to New ​J​ersey and installed a new conveyor belt system that allows researchers to retrieve books from the stacks under the Bryan Park green in just minutes. The stacks ​include over 3.2 million books and half a million reels of microfilm, all climate controlled at 65 degrees with 40% humidity, the perfect conditions for a book! #newyorkpubliclibrary #librarystudies #bryantparknyc Top: 1988 lawn excavation and stacks construction. Bottom: 84 miles of subterranean shelving below Bryant Park. Credit: bryantpark.org (at Bryant Park Ice Rink)

[openingnightposts]

New York in Five Voices: The ASO's Bryant Park Summer Finale

On a crystalline September evening, Bryant Park transformed into something more than an outdoor venue. Framed by glass towers that caught the last glow of daylight, the park became a mirror of New York itself—its history, its diversity of voices, its unquenchable spirit—captured in sound. Families spread blankets, couples leaned into one another, and children darted across the grass as the American Symphony Orchestra, under Maestro Leon Botstein, prepared to perform.

The program, fittingly titled New York Profiles, offered more than music. It was a journey through the city’s cultural DNA, each work carrying its own link to New York. Botstein, never content to let music speak in a vacuum, introduced every piece with insight that was both scholarly and accessible, guiding the audience through history, context, and meaning. His commentary, coupled with the orchestra’s radiant playing, turned the evening into a living portrait of New York in five voices.

Maestro Leon Botstein introducing each musical work in a concert entitled New York Profiles by the American Symphony Orchestra at Bryant Park. Photo by Edward Kliszus Julia Perry — A Short Piece for Small Orchestra

The journey began with Julia Perry, whose career traced both triumph and adversity. In 1965, her Short Piece became the first work by an African American woman performed by the New York Philharmonic—a historic achievement largely ignored by critics of the time. Botstein urged the audience to listen for Perry’s bold blend of neoclassical rigor and personal intensity.

The music leapt to life with trumpet scales, angular strings, and syncopated brass punctuated by the shimmer of xylophone. Contrasting sections of vigor and lyricism circled back in rondo-like form, before tightening into a gripping coda. In Bryant Park, Perry’s music resonated as both reclamation and triumph, her voice returning to the city that once received it with indifference.

Percussionists of the American Symphony Orchestra in a concert entitled New York Profiles at Manhattan's Bryant Park. Photo by Edward Kliszus Henry Cowell — Hymn and Fuguing Tune No. 10

Cowell’s ties to New York were equally deep. After scandalizing Europe with tone-cluster piano works, he taught at Columbia and the New School, becoming an evangelist for the avant-garde. Yet in his later years, he turned to colonial American hymnody, finding in it a new wellspring of inspiration.

“This piece,” Botstein opined, “is the avant-garde returning home.” Oboe and strings opened with a flowing hymn, followed by a contrapuntal fuguing tune—elegant, supple, and distinctly American. Heard in New York, where innovation and tradition have always collided, Cowell’s music became a parable of reconciliation, proving that modernism can find beauty in its roots.

Ulysses Kay — Joys and Fears from The Quiet One

Kay’s contribution was a portrait of the city itself. His score for the 1948 documentary The Quiet One, filmed in Harlem, accompanied the struggles of a young boy navigating poverty and temptation. “Kay writes not in sentimentality but in empathy,” Botstein explained to the audience.

The orchestra unfolded Kay’s music with luminous grace—long, arching melodies, harmonies rich with inner motion, rhythms pulsing like restless streets. What began as a film score here stood as elegy and prayer, a reminder that New York’s greatest strength lies in its humanity. In the park where strangers sat shoulder to shoulder, Kay’s music felt like homecoming.

Violins of the American Symphony Orchestra in a concert entitled New York Profiles by the American Symphony Orchestra at Bryant Park. Photo by Edward Kliszus Aaron Copland — Appalachian Spring Suite

Although often associated with the frontier, whereupon Botstein quipped, "Copland likely spent little time in Appalachia," Copland was a Brooklyn native, and Botstein took delight in the irony. "What we think of as the sound of America’s open landscape was shaped in the apartment blocks of New York,” he noted.

The suite began in misty stillness before blossoming into joyful dances and fervent hymns, culminating in the Shaker tune Simple Gifts. Variations swelled into an anthem of affirmation, pastoral imagery transfigured in the heart of Manhattan. In that moment, Copland’s vision returned to its birthplace, recharged with meaning.

Norman Dello Joio — New York Profiles

The evening closed with Norman Dello Joio’s New York Profiles, a work that gave the concert its title. A New Yorker through and through, son of an organist at the Metropolitan Opera, Dello Joio captured the city in four movements: chant-like serenity at The Cloisters; mischief and laughter in The Park; solemn dignity at Grant’s Tomb; and exuberant festivity in Little Italy.

“This is New York itself, in music,” Botstein declared. The orchestra brought the portraits to life—solemn, playful, mournful, exuberant—culminating in a tarantella that swept the audience into celebration.

Epilogue: The City in Sound

As the last notes faded, Bryant Park exhaled. Blankets folded, children gathered, and the city beyond the park seemed momentarily transformed. The evening had traced New York through resilience, reconciliation, empathy, hope, and exuberance, each work a facet of the city’s profile.

Botstein’s eloquent introductions had bound the journey together, ensuring the audience heard not just music but meaning. The concert was less a sequence of works than a single portrait: New York seen through sound.

Low strings of the American Symphony Orchestra in a concert entitled New York Profiles by the American Symphony Orchestra at Bryant Park. Photo by Edward Kliszus A Season of Discovery

As the ASO looks to its 2025–26 season, Botstein’s programming promises to continue this spirit of discovery. Rarely heard masterworks will appear beside beloved classics; new collaborations, premieres, and thematic explorations will engage literature, history, and social justice. With venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to the magnificent St. Bart's and outdoor stages, the ASO remains committed to making exceptional music accessible to all who seek beauty and meaning.

For those who have experienced the magic of Bryant Park, the promise of a full season feels irresistible—an invitation to join a journey of exploration that enriches not only our understanding of music but also of ourselves.

Maestro Leon Botstein describing one of the musical works performed by the American Symphony Orchestra in a program entitled New York Profiles at Manhattan's Bryant Park. Photo by Edward Kliszus

American Symphony Orchestra

1330 Avenue of the Americas Suite 23A, New York, NY 10019 212.868.9276 For information and tickets, email [email protected], or click HERE.

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[openingnightposts]

Christmas Lights Spectacular: NYC Edition

Christmas Lights Spectacular: NYC EditionNew York City transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland during the Christmas season. NYC has become a must-visit holiday destination with shimmering lights, iconic landmarks, and festive energy. Whether admiring the majestic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree or exploring the enchanting Bryant Park Winter Village, the city captivates everyone with its holiday spirit. This article uncovers the best spots to enjoy NYC’s Christmas lights while offering tips for creating unforgettable memories. Here's a look at Christmas Lights Spectacular: NYC Edition. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center Courtesy rockefellercenter.comA Walk Through NYC’s Glittering Holiday StreetsNew York City's streets come alive during the holidays, showcasing an extraordinary blend of light displays and festive decor. Every corner of the city exudes cheer, from Fifth Avenue to Bryant Park, making it a haven for holiday enthusiasts.- Fifth Avenue: Renowned for its luxurious storefronts, this iconic street dazzles with intricate light displays and animated holiday windows.- Rockefeller Center: The magnificent Christmas tree and vibrant decorations create an unparalleled festive atmosphere.- Empire State Building: This iconic skyscraper glows in holiday colors, adding magic to the NYC skyline.- The towering Rockefeller Christmas Tree gleams with radiant lights and serves as the city’s holiday symbol.- The iconic Ice Skating Rink, where visitors glide under the twinkling Christmas lights for a magical experience.- The Saks Fifth Avenue Light Show is a mesmerizing LED display that complements the area's festive ambiance.- Bryant Park Winter Village: This festive market boasts handcrafted gifts, delicious treats, and a scenic ice skating rink.- Central Park: Experience the romance of a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park’s illuminated pathways.- Broadway Holiday Specials: Seasonal shows, like the famous Radio City Rockettes, bring the holiday spirit to life on stage.- Shoot during twilight to balance vibrant displays with soft ambient light.- Use a tripod for stability and sharper low-light photos.- Frame landmarks like Rockefeller Center or the Empire State Building for a striking composition.Incorporating these techniques can result in stunning images that preserve your holiday memories.Why NYC is the Ultimate Christmas Destination - Christmas Lights Spectacular: NYC EditionNew York City’s holiday season offers a sensory feast of dazzling lights, iconic landmarks, and cheerful festivities. From the spectacular Rockefeller Center tree to the glowing streets of Fifth Avenue, the city becomes a holiday paradise. Its festive energy, filled with laughter and joy, invites visitors to fully embrace the season's magic.Explore NYC’s Christmas lights and activities to make this holiday season extraordinary. The city promises unforgettable moments and memories you’ll cherish forever.Readers may also enjoy Christmas at Corpus Christi Church, Magical Christmas in New York: 20 Best Activities, and 50 Festive Holiday Activities in North Jersey. https://youtu.be/wKhRnZZ0cJI?si=VrVzZkAxorLE95nP Read the full article

[openingnightposts]

Magical Christmas in New York: 20 Best Activities

Magical Christmas in New York: 20 Best ActivitiesNew York City transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering one of the most magical Christmas experiences. With twinkling lights, holiday markets, and famous landmarks like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, it’s no wonder a magical Christmas in New York draws visitors from all over. From ice skating to shopping for holiday treasures, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy the season in New York.Skate Under the Rockefeller Center Christmas TreeA magical Christmas in New York wouldn’t be complete without ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Beneath the famous Christmas Tree, glide across the ice surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights. Arriving early ensures you can fully experience this iconic rink without heavy crowds. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center Courtesy rockefellercenter.comExplore Bryant Park’s Winter VillageBryant Park becomes a magical holiday destination with its Winter Village each year. This charming outdoor market offers artisanal gifts, festive foods, and drinks. Stroll through the market with a warm cup of cocoa and enjoy seasonal treats by the open-air skating rink.View the Holiday Windows on Fifth AvenueNo magical Christmas in New York is complete without a walk down Fifth Avenue to see the famous holiday window displays. Renowned stores like Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdale’s create stunning, themed displays. Plan your visit early in the evening for a less crowded view of these incredible storefronts. Holiday Shops at Bryant Park. Courtesy bryantpark.orgExperience The Nutcracker Ballet at Lincoln CenterCelebrate Christmas in New York by watching The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. This New York City Ballet performance is a holiday classic, with elaborate sets and costumes bringing Clara’s magical journey to life. It’s a must-do Christmas tradition, perfect for family gatherings.Enjoy the Holiday Lights at Dyker HeightsFor an extraordinary holiday light display, head to Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. The neighborhood goes all out with elaborate decorations, drawing visitors across the city. Joining a Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Tour offers insights into the area’s vibrant holiday tradition. George Balanchine's The Nutcracker by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. Courtesy nycballet.comShop at the Union Square Holiday MarketThe Union Square Holiday Market is a must-visit for Christmas shopping in New York. This bustling marketplace offers everything from handmade jewelry to cozy winter accessories crafted by local artisans. Soak up the festive atmosphere with live music, mulled wine, and seasonal treats.Watch the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree LightingThe annual Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting kicks off the holiday season in New York. Please arrive early to witness the lighting ceremony or visit the tree anytime during the season to take photos and admire its glow.Take a Sleigh Ride Through Central ParkFor a serene escape, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park, blanketed in snow during the winter. This classic sleigh ride offers stunning city views, especially magical at dusk when the city lights begin to twinkle. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Courtesy dykerheightschristmaslights.comVisit Santa at Macy’s SantalandBring the kids to Macy’s Santaland in Herald Square for a magical Christmas in New York experience. Here, Santa awaits visitors in a festive North Pole setting. Book ahead to ensure you secure a spot for this unforgettable holiday experience.See the Radio City Christmas SpectacularExperience the Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, starring the iconic Rockettes. With mesmerizing choreography, festive costumes, and holiday music, this show is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to add sparkle to their holiday season.Shop at the Columbus Circle Holiday MarketThe Columbus Circle Holiday Market at the edge of Central Park is perfect for a cozier shopping experience. With stalls offering handmade crafts, candles, and seasonal decor, it’s an ideal spot for picking up unique holiday gifts. Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes. Courtesy instagram.com/radiocityrockettesJoin a Caroling Tour Through Historic New YorkJoin a caroling tour through Manhattan’s historic neighborhoods like Greenwich Village for an authentic Christmas in New York. The tours, led by professional singers, bring people together to sing holiday classics along snow-covered streets.Discover the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical GardenTake a trip to the New York Botanical Garden for the annual Holiday Train Show. Model trains weave through miniature landmarks, creating a magical display for all ages—a relaxing and joyful holiday excursion.Stop at Mrs. Claus’ Bakery for Cookies and CiderFor a family-friendly stop, visit Mrs. Claus’ Bakery at Chelsea Market, where you can enjoy warm cookies, spiced cider, and other holiday treats served by Mrs. Claus herself.Take a Ferry Ride to See the Statue of Liberty in the SnowEscape the crowds with a ferry ride to Liberty Island for a winter view of the Statue of Liberty. The sight of Lady Liberty framed by snowy skies is a magical and unique way to enjoy Christmas in New York.Readers may enjoy Christmas at Corpus Christi Church, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, and The Leopard at Des Artistes.https://youtu.be/Rnil5LyK_B0?si=-9i2D8ZbPg9MdRNl Read the full article