August 11, 2008
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.”
Photo
Gallery
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.