New York Philharmonic's Season Opening Gala to Be Offered for Free on Lincoln Center Plaza and PBS

First, the concert will be broadcast nationally on PBS's Live from Lincoln Center on the evening of September 18. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the hall; the PBS broadcast airs on a tape-delayed basis, beginning at 8 p.m. U.S. Eastern time (check your local listings).

In addition, audio and video of the concert will be projected onto a large screen in Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza as it happens inside the hall, beginning at 7:30 p.m. No tickets are necessary, and chairs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Finally, the concert will be broadcast on WQXR radio, 96.3 FM in New York and online at www.wqxr.com, also beginning at 8 p.m.

The program includes Dvoršk's Carnival Overture, Cello Concerto (with Ma as soloist) and Symphony No. 7.

These free events marking the opening of the Philharmonic's 2007 _08 season — events which also include free admission to the gala concert's dress rehearsal on the morning of September 18 — are presented by the New York Philharmonic and Credit Suisse to celebrate the launch of their new Global Partnership. For more information, visit www.nyphil.org.