'Composer's Night' Premieres at Sands Point Preserve

Sands Point Preserve is premiering its Composer’s Night series at Hempstead House on Thursday, April 21 at 8 p.m.

The series debuts with original works composed and performed by Solomon Hoffman, a Port Washington native and Schreiber High School alum, who will be accompanied by a group of accomplished musicians. The evening will include a range of pieces, with Hoffman playing piano. Joining Hoffman are a violinist, violist, flutist/clarinetist/saxophonist, trumpet player and tap dancer.

“My music comes from a few different influences,” Hoffman said. “I draw on the sounds of classical, jazz, folk, minimalism, funk and contemporary music to form a unique blend. I strive to create music that is emotional and accessible, yet still intricate and challenging.”

The series brings opportunities for emerging artists at the Preserve.

“We are excited to launch this new series in collaboration with Solomon, to give young artists a consistent venue for their performances,” Sands Point Preserve Conservancy’s Managing Director Beth Horn said. “We hope to build an audience for their ground breaking work as the community discovers them and recognizes their extraordinary talents.”

Hoffman’s group brings a sense of chemistry to the stage.

“The musicians I'm performing with for this concert are some of my favorite collaborators,” he said.
“They are each excellent soloists but they also have a wonderful sensibility for coming together with chamber music,” he added. “When I'm writing new music, I'm often inspired by the musicians I work with to really write to their specific sound and strengths.”

Hoffman said he’s especially looking forward to performing in his hometown on Thursday at Hempstead House.

“I think it's a great way to unwind as the end of the week approaches,” he said. “To play in Hempstead House is a really unique opportunity. The decor is beautiful and the acoustics are great for live music.”

Hoffman works primarily as an orchestrator for musical theatre and cabaret. His credits as orchestrator include Far From Canterbury (FringeNYC, Fringe Encores), Plath (FringeNYC), Rope (Pace New Musicals, RSO at 54 Below), War Lesbian (Dixon Place), Columbia Songbook (54 Below), and Trailblazers (NYMF-SLP). As founder of The Songwriter’s Orchestra, he has created over 50 orchestral arrangements of new songs that have been performed at 54 Below, The Laurie Beechman Theatre, Miller Theatre, The Dolphin Café, and (Le) Poisson Rouge.

Hoffman returns to the Preserve for additional Composer’s Nights on June 16 and July 21.

To purchase tickets to Composer’s Night, or to purchase a 12-month membership, visit www.TheSandsPointPreserve.org, call 516-571-7901 or visit the Gate House at 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY, 11050. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sands Point Preserve Conservancy is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to protect and preserve the 216-acre waterfront grounds and historic mansions and to provide a range of cultural arts events and educational programs for families and schools in the Phil Dejana Learning Center and Outdoor Classroom.