Metropolitan Opera Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin surprised audiences on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 with a special concert at Little Island.

The famed conductor was joined by a quartet of Met Orchestra horn players including Erik Ralske, Roy Femenella, Javier Gándara, and Barbara Jöstlein Currie to present a program curated by Dov Scheindlin. Among the pieces performed were “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot,” “Soave sia il vento” from Mozart’s “Così fan tutte,” Strauss’ “Radetzky March,” Bizet’s Carmen Suite, and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

“New York City in the summer is a creative playground, with public spaces welcoming New Yorkers and tourists alike to new experiences,” Nézet-Séguin said in an official press release. “I selected Little Island because it is a unique public park committed to diverse artistic expressions, a commitment I share very deeply. Together with the Met, it was an absolute joy and honor to share our music in this way, and to witness the passion and enthusiasm of the audience. And I look forward to sharing more music with New York audiences and beyond.”