Philharmonic Ends Season on High Note

The Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra recently finished up their 27th season before a packed crowd at the Berner Middle School.

The audience was treated to a performance of Dvorak's Violin Concerto in A-minor by Australian soloist Susie Park, as well as two pieces by Beethoven, his King Stephen Overture and Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, The Eroica.

It was an impressive performance, and as always you can't beat the price.

"The concerts are free and there are no tickets," said Dr. Robert Ackerberg, who manages the orchestra.

There's no better  bargain in Massapequa than when the philharmonic plays one of their five yearly concerts at the school. After a summer hiatus, they plan to start up again in October.

The orchestra is made up of about 70 local  musicians who audition for their spots. Ackerberg brings in soloists and takes pride in his eye for talent.

"Of the soloists we've had, some are now among the best performers in the world," he said.

 Among those who've shared the stage with the Masssapequa Philharmonic, before moving on to bigger things, are violinists Gil Shaham, Hilary Hahn and Rachel Lee.

They play Massapequa, "before they become so famous we can't afford the fee," Ackerberg said.

Money has become an issue for the orchestra these days because they receive a third of their budget from the state and the funds are in budget limbo.

Those who attended the final concert were asked to give  donations and those who made pledges to give money were reminded to follow through.

Ackerberg is also asking those who'd like to help out to go to their website massphil.org to make a tax deductible contribution.

If the financial picture remains weak, Ackerberg said he may have to cut back on some costs or operate at a deficit, but he still anticipates a great 28th season.

"The soloists will be remarkable like they've always been and the audience will go crazy for them,"  he said.