Washington Square Music Festival.

The Washington Square Music Festival was founded in 1953 by violinist Alexander Schneider and the Washington Square Association. The Washington Square Music Festival is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which operates specifically to provide free public concerts in Washington Square Park. It is sponsored by the Washington Square Association, a civic group formed in 1906, and is funded in part by the affiliated nonprofit Washington Square Association Music Fund. Since the 1970s, the Festival and its fundraising activities have been largely overseen by Executive Director Margaret "Peggy" Friedman and Chairperson Margaret T. "Peggy" Campbell. Friedman remains Executive Director today.

Past performances have included works by diverse composers, including Leonard Bernstein and Richard Wagner, as well as works for the band and chamber ensemble. Planned programming for 2012 will also include a West African concert. The Festival has hosted a number of conductors, ensembles, and soloists, including longtime oboist and conductor Henry Schuman.

The Washington Square Music Festival continues to hold events each summer.

Sources:

"A History of the Washington Square Music Festival," circa 1980; Records of the Washington Square Music Festival; MC 158; Box 2; Folder 44; New York University Archives.

"Initiatives: Music and Concerts: Washington Square Music Festival," Washington Square Association, Accessed April 11, 2012, http://www.washingtonsquarenyc.org/washington_square_music_festival.htm.

Letter from Gilbert DiLucia to residents of Greenwich Village, May 11, 1984; Records of the Washington Square Music Festival; MC 158; Box 2; Folder 20; New York University Archives.

"Washington Square Music Festival's 54th Season," Washington Square Music Festival, Accessed April 11, 2012, http://www.washingtonsquaremusicfestival.org/pages/program.html?ID=3222.

From the guide to the Washington Square Music Festival, Bulk, 1970-1989, 1953-2000, (New York University Archives)