Entertainment

Savor these musical masterpieces under the stars

The whole city’s a New Yorker’s living room, and as temperatures rise, the parks of Gotham double as concert halls, as well.

The grandfather of NYC’s outdoor music events, the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks, kicks off its annual series of free shows July 10 at 8p.m. in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.

This year’s edition of the summertime classic founded in 1965 features music by Tchaikovsky and Dvorak, led by the Phil’smusic director, Alan Gilbert. The program repeats across the boroughs through July 16, with most nights climaxing in the traditional “encore” of a fireworks display. 212-875- 5656 or nyphil.org/parks.

Fireworks of the vocal varietyhighlight the Metropolitan Opera’s 2013 Summer Recital Series, launching July 16 at Central Park SummerStage. Budding Met diva Isabel Leonard — star of last season’s “The Barber of Seville” and “The Tempest” — joins soprano Erin Morley, tenor Stephen Costello and pianist Bradley Moore for a potpourri of arias and songs from musicals. The free concerts, at parks throughout the city, continue, with different artists and repertoire, through Aug. 1. 212-362-6000 or metopera.org/parks.

Music in the park takes amore sinister turn with Gotham Chamber Opera’s production of “La Hijade Rappaccini.” Daniel Catán’s 1994 opera — based on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s story aboutamad doctor’s garden of poisonous plants — will be staged in the lush Cherry Esplanade of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden June 17 and 24. Lawnseating is $35. 212-868-4460 or gothamchamberopera.org.

More mainstream opera rings out from Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell when New York Grand Opera stages free performances of Verdi’s “Aida” (June 5) and “Un Ballo in Maschera” (July 17). 212-245-8837.