Bernie Williams, the legend of the New York Yankees, retired from professional baseball a few years ago, but will now continue to perform in front of audiences, albeit as the guitarist of the New York Philharmonic, a facet unknown to many.
The former outfielder's debut will be April 24 at the orchestra's spring gala. The event will be directed by Gustavo Dudamel at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall, which seats 2,200 people.
Bernie Williams, yes that Bernie Williams, will apparently make his debut with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra this year. Who would have thought? https://t.co/FQvOdBK9wA
— OutKick (@Outkick) January 4, 2024
According to public information, this concert is one of many that the Philharmonic has prepared to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the “Youth Concert” cycle. These were founded in 1924 and became increasingly popular over time.
The Puerto Rican, who was a member of the New York Yankees between 1991 and 2006, has been playing the guitar since he was seven and has therefore taken a close look at the instrument. In fact, as an MLB player, he was keen to further perfect his technique with the strings, and in 2003 he had the opportunity to release his first album on the MPL Communications label, while the second (and so far last) was released in 2009 .
“Being in music is something where you have no limits to learn. It's something very exciting, but at the same time difficult. Now I do a lot of corporate and charity events. “I’m a lot busier than when I was playing,” Williams revealed to Primera Hora in 2017.
On the other hand, the Puerto Rican explained: “I enter this world of music and I feel very honored that they give me the opportunity, that they welcome me and also support me.” But that determines that I have to work hard. “Just as hard or even harder than when I played baseball.”