“The Long Island Concert Orchestra makes its debut as a symphony orchestra with a free performance Saturday night at Heckscher State Park, ‘Celebrating Hometown Heroes,’ presented by the Islip Arts Council” and conducted by David Stewart Wiley, writes Steve Parks in Friday’s (7/14) Newsday (N.Y; subscription required). The ensemble, formed in September, is a successor to the Long Island Philharmonic, which disbanded last year. “ ‘This is a major step for us in connecting to the Long Island community,’ says LICO director David Winkler. ‘It’s key to realizing our mission. This concert usually draws 10,000 or more to enjoy great music and fireworks.’ … LICO previously performed the soundtrack score for a screening of ‘The Godfather’ at Tilles Center, and with students in its high school outreach program…. Besides patriotic themes … [on Saturday] two world premieres by Long Islanders will be performed. Bayport composer Rey Burns’ ‘American Tapestry’ is a highlight of the first half of the program, while Winkler’s ‘Festival Fanfare’ opens the second…. LICO is working toward a fall program at an indoor venue—‘We’re not ready to announce yet,’ Winkler says—plus a New Year’s Eve Broadway-themed concert at Tilles Center, formerly one of the Philharmonic’s most popular annual events.”
Posted July 17, 2017
