Local Concert-Goers Show Strong Support for Young Performers

Equipped with blankets, lawn chairs, food and beverages, close to 100 local concert-goers came out to the Town of Eastchester's 2011 Summer Sounds Concert Series opener Wednesday night, to enjoy singing and music from Eastchester's very own high school orchestra and Youth Council Summer Theatre.

Last night's performance, "All That's Jazz 14!," was the opening act in the town's annual free summer concert series held every Wednesday until August 3rd on the lawn in front of .

“Each year for the last 14 years, we have started off the concert series with our young people in our community," said Anthony Colavita, Eastchester Town Supervisor. "What is more pleasant than listening to young people play beautiful music all night? It is a great treat and a wonderful opportunity to hear some great music.”

The show began promptly at 7:00pm with music lovers of all ages in attendance, from families with young children, to high school students, to senior citizens. The Eastchester High School orchestra, under the direction of Donald Olsen, played classical pieces such as Bach’s “The Peasant Cantata” and Mozart’s “Kassation in D Major,”  as well as more contemporary pieces like Menken’s “The Little Mermaid.”  

Rita Mastrobernadino of Eastchester, a frequent summer concert attendee, came out to last night's event not only to enjoy the great music and atmosphere, but also to support her daughter, Lauren, who played viola in the Eastchester High School orchestra before graduating just a few weeks ago.

“I usually come to the outdoor concerts, but tonight is really special because my daughter is playing," Mastroberardino said. "She has been playing (the viola) since she was in third grade at Anne Hutchinson, and is now technically a college freshman. She enjoys it very much."

Victoria Leonardo -- another recent Eastchester graduate -- also performed alongside the orchestra last night, and said playing with her now former band-mates brought back some strong emotions.

“It’s really bittersweet," Leonardo said. "It’s for sure the last performance with all of them."

Performers from the Eastchester Youth Council Summer Theater -- who will be performing Rodger and Hammerstein's Cinderella this August -- shared the spotlight with the Eastchester Orchestra Wednesday night, performing select pieces from a variety of American Broadway theatre productions, including South Pacific, In the Heights, and Phantom of the Opera.

“Our participation serves as a wonderful announcement to the community for the show that we are going to do this upcoming August," said Bunny Rappaport, Director of the Eastchester Youth Council and Producer of the Summer Theatre. "It also introduces the audience to some of the high-caliber singers we have. It’s a wonderful experience because very few young people have the chance to sit out in the open at a band concert.”

A number of local dignitaries also come out to enjoy the Summer Sounds Concert Series' opening festivities, including Eastchester Councilmen Luigi Marcoccia and Joe Dooley.

With the rising costs of travel, concerts such as Wednesday night's also provide local residents like David and Alison Pinsley of Chester Heights the opportunity to enjoy great entertainment at a very low cost. Last night's expenses, for example: a couple of bucks for ice cream from Carvel. The rest was free.

“The professional people that they bring out are so wonderful, and so great, that everyone should come out to enjoy themselves when it’s a nice night like tonight,” said David Pinsley.

Wife Alison agreed, adding that concerts like Wednesday's are a perfect event for families not going on vacation.

“There are so many people that choose not to travel during the summer, and it's so nice not have to worry about spending a lot of money to go into the city to see a concert or a professional show,” she said.

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