Lincoln Center’s Restart Stages program has officially kicked off!
Like the “Open Culture” and “NY Pops Up” programs (which this one is actually working in conjunction with), Restart Stages hopes to “kickstart the performing arts sector and contribute to the revival of New York City.” It will create 10 outdoor performance and rehearsal spaces (!) on the Center’s iconic campus that can be used for many different purposes and will be open in different ways to the public, along with arts-centered activities for New Yorkers to take part in.
The program officially started on April 7, with a breathtaking performance by the New York Philharmonic. It was World Health Day, so the performance was dedicated to all of our essential workers who worked so tirelessly to keep us all safe through this past year, invited specially for the occasion. Take a listen here:
Live music returns to @LincolnCenter! A little bit of #WestSideStory from the @NYPhil playing in the grove on the plaza. The concert – for health care workers – was the first in more than a year #nyc #livemusic #nyphilharmonic pic.twitter.com/1tw6ttPW68
— Anthony Mason (@AnthonyMasonCBS) April 7, 2021
They brought out the New York Philharmonic Bandwagon which had been making the rounds with surprise outdoor concerts around NYC last year.
There were also some sweet sheep puppets gracing the grand steps!
Adorable sheep puppets by @Basiltwist greeted guests arriving to #RestartStages at @LincolnCenter. pic.twitter.com/frU8kuvg04
— New York Philharmonic (@nyphil) April 7, 2021
Sign up for emails here to stay up-to-date with the planned outdoor venues & performances that will continue through the spring and summer, including:
- A cabaret-style stage on Hearst Plaza
- Dedicated family and kids’ areas with arts activities for young people
- Venues for rehearsals, opening up the artistic process to visitors
- Space for public school graduations, recognizing the extraordinary achievements of students under difficult circumstances
- An outdoor reading room, created in partnership with The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
Along with news that Coney Island is reopening, beaches and pools will open on time, and the possibility of outdoor street pools, NYC is going to be a truly amazing place to be (outdoors) this spring and summer!
featured image source: Courtesy Lincoln Center, Credit to Stephanie Berger