St. John’s University’s Tenth Annual Summer Concert Featuring The Queens Symphony Orchestra Draws Rave Reviews

St. John’s University’s Office of Community Relations presented its Tenth Annual Summer Concert featuring the Queens Symphony Orchestra (QSO) on The Great Lawn of the Queens campus on Wednesday, July 30. With St. Augustine Hall as the backdrop, the setting was perfect for Orchestra’s magnificent sound.

“We were fortunate to have a beautiful night of weather and a record turnout from the community so as to enjoy a spectacular concert given by the Queens Symphony Orchestra,” said Joseph Sciame, St. John’s University’s Vice President for Community Relations. “St. John’s is grateful to many community members for making this night such a huge success. We were particularly pleased to have our benefactor members in the University’s Loughlin and McCallen Societies present to enjoy the event as well.”

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The concert commenced with opening remarks by City Councilwoman Melinda Katz, ’90L. Councilman James Gennaro and Herb Chain, Chairman of the Board of Directors for the QSO, each praised the University and the QSO for presenting a free high quality concert for the greater Queens community. Following the national anthem by Raeann Walters ’04C, ’05G, and the presentation of the colors by the local Boy Scout troop, Queens Commissioner for Parks, Dorothy Lewandowski, led The Washington Post March as guest conductor.

Under the direction of Maestro Constantine Kitsopoulos, the Queens Symphony Orchestra masterfully performed before the crowd of close to 1,500. Titled: "Broadway and Jazz," the event featured songs from hit Broadway productions, such as Chicago, Candide and On the Town, as well as tributes to Duke Ellington and Cole Porter. Songstress Christiana Noll also performed, singing tunes arranged by Lanny Meyers and Maestro Kitsopoulos.

ConEd, Coca Cola and Assemblyman Rory Lancman sponsored this yearly event. Also assisting in the production of this concert were: Dana Lezama, the President of Student Government, Inc.; Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity; and members of the Young Republicans, who staffed a voter registration table.

For more information contact: Dominic Scianna, Director of Media Relations at St. John’s University by calling (718) 990-6185 or e-mail requests to sciannad@stjohns.edu.

Information regarding St. John’s University can be obtained by visiting our web site at www.stjohns.edu/news.