In what has become a cherished tradition, the American Symphony Orchestra is pleased to debut our 2025-2026 season as part of the Picnic Performance series at Bryant Park. New York Profiles, will showcase five American composers whose works reflect the diverse musical styles of mid 20th century America. Each of these composers had strong ties to New York, a city that was central to their creative lives.

Aaron Copland, a defining voice of American music, made New York his home while composing Appalachian Spring, an homage to American pioneer life. Henry Cowell shaped New York’s early experimental music scene, as heard in his Hymn and Fuguing Tune No. 10. Julia Perry was closely connected to New York’s musical institutions such as Lincoln Center, where her A Short Piece for Small Orchestra was performed and recorded. Ulysses Kay, whose Joy and Fears is drawn from his soundtrack to The Quiet One, was also a key figure in New York’s cultural world, while Norman Dello Joio’s New York Profiles is a vivid musical portrait of the city, composed as a tribute to his native New York.

These composers, living and working in New York during the 1940s and ’50s, contributed to what is known as the Golden Age of American classical music. New York Profiles celebrates their lasting influence on both the city and American music.

Bryant Park staff lends out hundreds of free picnic blankets, provides ample bistro chairs, and offers a curated selection of food and drink to purchase from local vendors. No tickets are required and there are no lines to enter: it’s as easy as a walk in the park.

This program will repeat on September 14, 2025 at Kupferberg Center for the Arts.

The ASO’s Vanguard Series is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.