By Karen Bloom
"It's all about talented young people using their talents to help less fortunate young people," said Nassau Pops Conductor Louis Panacciulli. "When you hear them, you will be amazed."Nothing is more rewarding for Panacciulli than using his orchestra's talents for the benefit of a worthwhile cause, particularly UCP. The concert takes place at the Tilles Center on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m."Part of our mission has always been to provide benefit concerts," said Panacciulli, of his orchestra, which was formed in 1984 with friend Dawn Simmons Manuel. The group, comprised of local professional musicians, started out doing commercial musicals and then decided to take a different approach to presenting concerts. "We wanted to leave more of an impression," explained Panacciulli, who is also the director of Nassau Community College's concert band and an instrumental music teacher in Valley Stream School District 13. "We decided to affiliate ourselves with local charities, whereby we could use our popularity and talent and join forces to help them raise money."Last June the orchestra was privileged to perform at a benefit for a local hospital where they had previously appeared with Marvin Hamlisch. Panacciulli and his Nassau Pops always consider it to be an honor to be invited to this event since they are in the company of such entertainers as Peter Nero and the Philadelphia Pops, and the Boston Pops.Panacciulli was thrilled when he received rave reviews about the recent concert, which included the young violinist Jeremy Stein Cushman. The audience, Panacciulli recalled, was mesmerized by the talents of the 10th grader. Cushman, who resides in Little Neck, has been playing violin since he was five years old. He has performed in Lincoln Center and at Madison Square Garden, and at international venues, including Japan, Scotland and Switzerland. He appeared with the Nassau Pops in four concerts over the summer. "He knocks everybody out with his talent," Panacciulli noted. Joining Cushman, at next Sunday's concert, is vocalist Gabrielle Ross. "After we started working with Jeremy we heard about Gabrielle," said Panacciulli. "We thought it would be a great idea to bring in some more youth into this performance."Ross, of Bellmore, began singing at age 8, has performed in musical theater and is the three-time winner of a talent competition at the Apollo Theatre. Cushman and Ross will lend their talents to a program that features hit music from movies and Broadway. At a special moment during the concert, Creation, a group of six singers who participate in the Adult Day Treatment Program at UCP will make a special guest appearance. The group, which has a CD to its credit, "stole the show at last year's concert," according to Panacciulli. "Actually, the appearance of Creation sums up the whole purpose for this benefit," he said. "Those in attendance will not only be thrilled with the entertainment, but will be fulfilled knowing they support UCPN, an organization that helps those with cerebral palsy overcome the obstacles they struggle with on a daily basis, while learning to function to the best of their ability in society."All proceeds from the concert will benefit United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau, which has been assisting people with disabilities since 1948.
Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra Gala Benefit for United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau
Sunday, Oct. 23, 3 p.m. Tickets are $30 and $25 for seniors and students. They are available through TillesCharge at (516) 299-3100. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, CW. Post Campus, Brookville.
