St. John’s Expands Great Lawn Summer Concerts

Inspired by the popularity of its annual Great Lawn Summer Concert, St. John’s University will host two additional public performances on the Queens, NY, campus.

In addition to the traditional summer performance of the Queens Symphony Orchestra (QSO) on Tuesday, August 6, the University welcomes the White Wedding Band, playing hits from the 1980s, on Sunday, June 30, at 4 p.m.; and the Richmond County Orchestra on Sunday, July 21, also at 4 p.m.

The Queens Symphony’s August 6 performance begins at 7 p.m. All performances will be held on the Great Lawn, but will move indoors to The Little Theatre on campus in the event of inclement weather.

“Our annual summer concert has over the years brought together hundreds of donors, alumni, students, and friends of St. John’s,” said Sara Hunt Munoz, Ed.D., Senior Director, Alumni Engagement, Office of Alumni Relations. “Because it is such a popular event, the Office of Alumni Relations added new concerts in June and July that we hope will also strike a chord with our community.” 

Sponsored jointly by the University’s Office of Community Relations and Office of Alumni Relations, the Great Lawn Summer Concert has been held regularly at St. John’s since 1998. Patrons traditionally bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks and enjoy an evening of classical music and singing as the sun sets.

The Queens Symphony Orchestra is the only professional orchestra in Queens and the oldest and biggest performing arts institution in the borough. Music Director Martin Majkut calls the annual St. John’s performance the “highlight of the orchestra’s summer season.”

The Queens Symphony Orchestra will perform for the 24th time at St. John’s. Meanwhile, the Richmond County Orchestra will make its debut on the Queens campus. Established in 1998, it has created a new generation of classical music lovers on Staten Island. 

The six-piece White Wedding Band boasts it “brings the 1980s to life,” covering hits from artists including Duran Duran, Billy Joel, Stevie Nicks, U2, and Billy Idol, whose 1982 hit “White Wedding” inspired the band’s name.  

“We think the White Wedding Band will be a fun addition that appeals to a wide audience,” Dr. Munoz said. “The Richmond County Orchestra highlights our continuing relationship with Staten Island and brings something from that borough to the Queens campus. We also love working with the QSO and are excited for them to give the final performance of the summer series.”