By Karen Bloom
The prestigious 60-member South Shore Symphony, based in Rockville Centre, performs under the baton of guest conductor Matthew Oberstein, on Sunday, July 5 at 5 p.m,
The 25-year-old Oberstein is making his debut with South Shore Symphony. Lauded by a music writers as “…a great star on the rise,” Oberstein is principal conductor and director of the Artemis Chamber Ensemble and assistant conductor of Regina Opera. He has appeared with the Chicago Opera Theatre and was a founder of the Purchase Chamber Orchestra and Purchase Pops.
It marks a homecoming of sorts for the Bellerose Village native. “I am very excited about this [concert.],” Oberstein said. “I grew up on Long Island and went to South Shore Symphony concerts way back when. It’s nice to have been an audience member and nice to be on the other side now.”
The program features the music of Leroy Anderson and John Phillip Sousa along with Broadway favorites. “It’s a very traditional summer pops concert,” said Oberstein. The mix of American favorites includes music from Phantom of the Opera, A Chorus Line, and Les Miserables, along with such patriotic pieces as Stars and Stripes Forever. The grande finale features the 1812 Overture, one of Oberstein’s personal favorites.
“There’s something for everyone,” Oberstein said.
The South Shore Symphony, is a cherished South Shore institution that was first organized in 1983. Under its present artistic director, Scott Jackson Wiley, the orchestra has grown to include professional musicians and gifted high school musicians, in addition to dedicated amateur players. The orchestra has regularly performed in the Cathedral of St. Agnes, and last summer at the Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park. Each year the symphony collaborates with Leggz Ltd. Dance in a popular production of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.
Tickets are $15, children ages 5 or under are free. Tickets are available at the gate only. No seating will be provided. Picnic baskets are encouraged. Weekend admission to the museum grounds is $2 per car.
Nassau County Museum of Art is located at One Museum Drive ,off Northern Blvd.,
in Roslyn Harbor. Call (516) 484-9338, ext. 23 or visitnassaumuseum.org for information.
