New York Philharmonic Announces Take a Breath
New Mental Health and Wellness Initiative in the Kenneth C. Griffin Sidewalk Studio
Activities To Include Workshops Led by Guest Facilitators Sara Auster, Kendall Johnson-Smith, and Oneika Mays
Free Series Launches February 26, 2023
The New York Philharmonic announces the launch of Take a Breath, the new initiative supporting mental health and wellness and featuring musical performance. This season’s 90-minute workshops (February 26, March 4 and 19, April 16 and 22, May 6, and June 10, 2023) are facilitated by Sara Auster, Kendall Johnson-Smith, and Oneika Mays, and often feature NY Phil musicians and guest artists, such as saxophonist Steven Banks. The free series takes place in the Kenneth C. Griffin Sidewalk Studio, David Geffen Hall; events begin at 11:00 a.m.
The workshops — which are inspired by mindfulness, stress relief, and therapeutic arts — are designed to deepen the connection between wellness practices and music.
(Clockwise from top left) Take a Breath facilitators Sara Auster, Oneika Mays, Kendall Johnson-Smith, and saxophonist Steven Banks (Photos courtesy of the subjects except Banks, by Chris Lee)