Empire State Review Team 
The New York City Opera delighted audiences today with a free holiday concert in Central Park, drawing thousands to the open-air performance. Held near the Bethesda Fountain, the concert featured classic arias, holiday songs, and excerpts from operas such as The Magic Flute and La Bohème.
The event, part of the Opera in the Parks series, aimed to make classical music more accessible to New Yorkers. “Opera should be for everyone, not just those who can afford a ticket,” said Michael Capasso, the company’s general director.
Families and music lovers braved the cold to enjoy the performance, with many bringing blankets and thermoses of hot cocoa. “This is the kind of magic you only find in New York during the holidays,” said Clara Reynolds, a Manhattan resident attending with her children.
The Opera in the Parks series will continue with additional performances in the Bronx and Queens later this month.
