Former New York Yankees player Bernie Williams performs his own work with the New York Philharmonic, student musicians, and conductor Gustavo Dudamel, April 24, 2024. Photo by Brandon Patoc/New York Philharmonic.
In Saturday’s (4/27) Associated Press, Ronald Blum writes, “Bernie Williams was in the center, just like the old days at Yankee Stadium. Only this time he was at Lincoln Center alongside conductor Gustavo Dudamel and making his New York Philharmonic debut…. Williams performed ‘Moving Forward,’ a jazz-infused work he composed in 2009 that was newly arranged by Jeff Tyzik as part of the orchestra’s spring gala on Wednesday night at David Geffen Hall, a public exclamation of the former All-Star outfielder’s second career as a classical guitarist…. He [went] to the Manhattan School of Music from 2012-16 to learn his new trade and earn a bachelor’s degree…. Dudamel, who becomes music director in 2026-27, gave Williams a glowing introduction … at an event to raise money for music education.” Philharmonic musicians played side-by-side with student musicians from communities across NYC for several works. “Williams began playing guitar when he was 6 or 7 in Puerto Rico … [With the Yankees], Bernie brought his guitar to the ballpark and played in the clubhouse lounge to MTV tunes picked by teammate Derek Jeter…. His second [album], ‘Moving Forward,’ earned a Latin Grammy nomination in 2009 for best instrumental album … Philharmonic CEO Gary Ginstling said … that 30 orchestra musicians lined up to get balls, caps and shirts autographed by Williams.”
