This summer, music lovers flocked to Washington Square for extraordinary free concerts that featured Local 802 musicians playing under a union contract. Presented by the Washington Square Music Festival, the series offers adventurous programming and unusual instrumentation. The Music Performance Trust Fund has supported the festival since its inception. Pictured here is the Washington Square Music Festival Orchestra on June 17, which accompanied harmonica virtuoso Robert Bonfiglio on Heitor Villa-Lobos’ “Concerto for Harmonica.” Photos by Walter Karling. For more information, see www.WashingtonSquareMusicFestival.org.

NYC Council Member Margaret Chin (middle) hands out official citations of appreciation to Lutz Rath (festival music director and conductor) and Peggy Friedman (executive director of the festival).