Free classical concerts set for Naumburg Bandshell

Orchestra tonight kicks of a series of free concerts at Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell.

There will be 700 seats available on a first-come, first-served basis with extra benches nearby. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.

The 2012 Naumburg Bandshell concert schedule:

June 19 - Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
July 10 - The Knights
July 24 - The Knights
Aug. 7 - Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Astor Piazzolla’s 1987 Central Park Concert with Lara St. John, Pablo Ziegler, Claudio Ragazzi, Hector del Curto and Andrew Roitstein
The free outdoor classical concerts have been held since 1905 and are named for Elkan Naumburg, who donated the Naumburg Bandshell to New York City in 1923.

The bandshell is used for other events, such as free New York Grand Opera performances scheduled for this summer.