August 7, 2018
An enchanted evening of rousing symphonies and classical renditions performed by the Queens Symphony Orchestra filled the night air at St. John’s University’s annual Great Lawn summer concert on July 24, 2018.
In partnership with the orchestra and Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, the University’s Office of Community Relations hosted this 20th annual event. Joseph Sciame, Vice President of Community Relations, noted St. John’s is proud to host the Symphony and “We thank the Queens Symphony Orchestra for bringing this program to the community as it attracts many of our neighbors and alumni from all parts of New York City.”
Ms Katz told the hundreds attending that her father founded the Queens Symphony Orchestra 33 years ago. And in keeping with annual tradition, she sang a well-known song, Summertime.
Backed by the spirited orchestra’s depth, tenor Christopher Maccio added his booming and stylistic voice , including the favorite O Solo Mio and the poignant Nessum Dorma.
In the spirit of giving back, an exclusive barbeque was held for members of The McCallen and Loughlin Societies before the concert with a traditional all-American buffet of burgers and hot dogs at the Faculty Club.
An enthusiastic Martin Majkut, the Symphony’s music director and conductor, spoke to Society members and friends of the University. He thanked Mr. Sciame for bringing them all together for this concert. The maestro noted the number of these free Queens concerts are dwindling but nevertheless they push ahead to spread them around the borough. He fondly recalled that his first performance with the Symphony was at St. John’s a few years ago — which secured him the role as music director.
Loughlin Society member, John J. Kowalski ’76CBA, ’83MBA and his wife, Patricia, said they appreciated St. John’s efforts to bring together the community.
“It’s a nice gift to give back to both the neighborhood and the loyal donors,” he said. “The barbeque is great and it’s nice to see other people do what we do.”