NEW YORK – Former New York Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams will make his New York Philharmonic debut April 24 when future music director Gustavo Dudamel conducts the orchestra's spring gala at David Geffen Hall from Lincoln Center.
Williams, 55, was a five-time All-Star for the Yankees from 1991 to 2006 and won the 1998 American League title. He is a classically trained guitarist who began playing at the age of seven and has released two recordings including: 2003 and 2009. Williams has also performed around the world and published a book about the connection between music and sports. The book in which Williams said he “bared his soul” is called “Rhythms of the Game.”
Dudamel, 42, has been music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic since 2009, a tenure that ends after 17 seasons when he leaves New York for the 2026-27 season. He will hold a rehearsal with students on April 22 and lead the youth orchestra in a concert on April 26 at the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music, Art and Performing Arts. There will also be a rehearsal on the morning of April 24th open to music teachers, youth orchestra families and the orchestra's community partners.
The program is still being planned.
Common, a rapper whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn, will also make his Philharmonic debut in a program with soprano Hera Hyesang Park, the orchestra said Wednesday. The Philharmonic will perform alongside high school musicians selected through auditions.