Ryan Roberts
In my latest column highlighting talent from New York’s most prestigious cultural institutions, I feature Ryan Roberts, principal oboist of the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center and principal horn of the New York Philharmonic. He plays the Vaughan Williams Oboe Concerto on August 6 and seven with the Festival Orchestra of Lincoln Center under the baton of Music Director Jonathon Heyward.
Here he shares his love for New York.
Where do you reside in New York?
I continue to exist the Upper West Side, where I actually have been for nearly 10 years!
What is your favorite neighborhood in town and why?
As a long-time resident of the Upper West Side, I’m (after all) infatuated with my very own neighborhood. We have Riverside Park with its beautiful river views and tree-lined promenades – probably the greatest places in town for a quiet stroll on a pleasant day. I also love the architecture of the pre-war apartment buildings on West End Avenue and Riverside Drive.
Can you tell us a few of your favorite places near Lincoln Center and what makes them so great?
My absolute favorite Lincoln Center spot is the Independent Cafe (affectionately often known as “Indie” by the locals). I’ve been eating the identical three sandwiches there since I used to be a freshman at Juilliard. They never disappoint! Kudos to the amazing staff who at all times greet you with a smile. I also love the newly opened vegan restaurant Le Botaniste on Columbus Avenue. They have an incredibly spicy chili sin carne that may satisfy any appetite.
The best place to eat before or after a concert and why. What dishes do you have to order?
My favorite place to go after a concert is PJ Clarke’s. It has a classic “old New York” vibe and amazing oysters. The best burger is the BBQ Blue! If you possibly can’t get a table at PJ’s, Smith across the road is one other great option. You can often expect a livelier atmosphere and a full house almost any time of day.
The best bar on the Upper West Side and which drink do you have to get?
Vanguard Wine Bar. I’ll invoke the Fifth Amendment when recommending wine. Ask the bartenders! They know best.
Insider suggestions for having fun with a classical concert. Is there anything to make the experience even higher?
I’ve found that folks are sometimes intimidated by classical music because they feel like they do not “know enough” to properly benefit from the music. My best tip is to let go of any expectations and open your ears – concentrate to how the music makes you’re feeling and keep in mind that any response is a sound response. That’s the fantastic thing about art – everyone experiences it otherwise.
Which New York theater do you prefer to go to probably the most and why?
I at all times enjoy going to Carnegie Hall. It never loses its magic for me. The place is so wealthy in history – every time I’m there, I imagine the artists of the past who’ve performed on the stage, a lot of whom I never had the possibility to listen to. One of probably the most beautiful moments of my life was meeting Jessye Norman after her last concert at Carnegie Hall on Valentine’s Day. She died shortly after. I’m so joyful to have heard her voice in person.
What other orchestral performances or festivals do you currently take note of?
There are really exciting things happening at Little Island in Chelsea. This is one in every of town’s newest venues, and their summer program has featured a few of my favorite artists. I’m terribly sad to miss the week of performances curated by Cécile McLorin Salvant, August 21-25. She is a visionary.
Share your insider news from New York,
I’m unsure if all of those could be considered local secrets, but a few of my favorite places in Manhattan are Cafe Luxembourg, Felice, Sushi W, Leyla, Burrito Box(!), and BCD Tofu House.
Can you tell us your favorite concert halls world wide and why?
The Royal Albert Hall at all times springs to mind because the BBC Proms was the closest I’ve come to feeling like a rock star. This hall has an enormous capability and a really unique energy. It never appears like a standard orchestral concert! I also need to mention the Musikverein in Vienna. I believe almost every musician would agree that this hall has the very best acoustics for classical music on the earth and the ornate architecture is breathtaking.
