With a glorious three day weekend beckoning us, you may be looking for interesting, inexpensive activities to share with your family and friends. The New York Philharmonic is presenting its 17th Memorial Day free concert at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City on Monday, May 26, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. What a wonderful way for a parent or grandparent to introduce classical music to a child. The program features user-friendly pieces with nineteenth century composers Franz Schubert and his Symphony #8 "Unfinished" as well as Felix Mendelssohn and his Symphony #4 "Italian". These orchestral works with their captivating melodies, evocative moments, pleasing harmonies and uplifting nuances will appeal to both novices and connoisseurs.
If you feel awkward attending this type of event and want to learn the correct etiquette, Valerie Cruice's When Do I Clap? may be consulted. A humorous, informative guide for the classical neophyte is David Pogue and Scott Speck's Classical Music for Dummies. If you prefer a serious exposition, Michael Steinberg and Larry Rothe's For the Love of Music may provide the answers to your queries.