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New York Philharmonic Free Memorial Day Concert Returns to Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Exiting Music Director Alan Gilbert Leads Beethoven 'Egmont' and Shostakovich 10th

Once more, with feeling, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine will host the the New York Philharmonic--under the baton of outgoing music director Alan Gilbert--for its 24th annual free Memorial Day concert. Maestro Gilbert will lead the orchestra in Beethoven's Egmont Overture and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10 on Monday at 8:00 p.m.

This series started all the way back in 1992, as a gift to the denizens of Gotham from the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation. And Classicalites and New Yorkers, you better take advantage of this free opportunity to see the orchestra led by the mega-talented Alan Gilbert.

As everyone knows by now, Gilbert will step down as music director of the New York Phil when his contract expires in 2017, leaving the orchestra in probable turmoil, navigating unsure waters for the first time in many years. Of course, the orchestra has even more to worry about other than just finding Gilbert's replacement. The org is hunting for a temp locale, whilst David Geffen Avery Fisher Hall undergoes, um, 'rennovations.'

Additionally, the orch is facing another round of labor negotiations, all while trying to balance a budget deficit that peaked at over a whopping $2 million last season.

Tickets are required and will be distributed starting at 6 p.m. on the evening of the concert. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The concert will run continuously from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. No intermission.

Admission to this performance is free; however, donations to the patron saint of friendship (or, wait, is John for hospitals?) are always appreciated.

The audio of the performance will be broadcast onto the adjacent Pulpit Green. Weather permitting, natch.

So, until Monday, revisit Gilbert's Egmont with NYPO, live from Hanoi.

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