Take a breath

About

Take a Breath is a community-focused wellness and music series presented by the New York Philharmonic in collaboration with Northwell Health and The Abyssinian Baptist Church. Each 90-minute gathering blends live chamber music with guided mindfulness to explore themes like love, kindness, deep listening, and human connection. Sessions are facilitated by mindfulness guide Oneika Mays alongside Northwell Health professional Sylvia Földes-Berman, with performances by Musicians from the New York Philharmonic. Following the one-hour program, New York Philharmonic Teaching Artists lead a 30-minute instrument try-out to encourage hands-on musical exploration for all ages. The series at the Abyssinian Baptist Church includes Love and Kindness (Apr 25, 1:00 PM) and Mindfulness and Deep Listening (May 2, 1:00 PM). Supported by the Leon Levy Foundation, these events aim to leave audiences calmer, more attuned, and inspired.