Orchestra Trumpets Spring, Preps For Summer

For 30 years, the West Islip Symphony Orchestra has provided musical entertainment for the community and has already continued its tradition in 2010. On April 25, the orchestra held its Spring "Celebration" Concert and it will offer a summer concert this August.

The orchestra, which was founded in 1979, was originally the idea of Axel Norden, then the chairman of music and performing arts for the West Islip Schools. The orchestra became a reality under the leadership of many community leaders including the orchestra's first president Allen Maurer. The orchestra was then led by past president Lawrence Donohue and is presently being led by president Nancy Donohue, Lawrence's wife.

The goal of the orchestra is simple — to keep the art of classical music alive in West Islip. However, putting on a concert is anything but simple. It takes the talents of nearly 50 musicians to perform classical numbers that satisfy those in the West Islip community who want to hear classical music without leaving their community.

The West Islip Symphony Orchestra will be performing its Summer Pops Concert on Wednesday, Aug. 11  at 8 p.m. at the West Islip Library Field. The theme will be popular and Broadway show tunes.