The New York Philharmonic played a concert in Cunningham Park this past Monday evening. After finishing their day at their internships, the Cross Cultural Internship Program (www.fusia.net) exchange visitors traveled to the park to experience the music along with the fireworks show that took place after the concert.

The concert series, which has been an annual event since 1965 and is presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer, is a great opportunity for visitors from across the region to enjoy a relaxing night in the park and listen to the classical music of some of America's most respected composers, including Leonard Bernstein, John Philip Sousa, and George Gershwin.

"It was a beautiful concert," said Chun Yip Chan (Anson), a student from Hong Kong University. "It was nice to lay back on the grass and hear these great American songs play. It was the first time I'd heard any of this music played by a live orchestra."

The concert also provided an opportunity for the exchange visitors to mingle with the diverse crowd.

"There were children running all around with families everywhere. But there were also older people and even teenagers. I feel like I saw a whole spectrum of classical music lovers," said Tsz Kwan Kong (Tiffany), one of the activity leaders for the event along with Anson.

Once the concert had finished, the evening concluded with a brilliant fireworks display that filled up the night sky. It was a dazzling way to end the show and a chance for the attendees to talk while they enjoyed the warm summer air.