QSO Celebrates Golden Anniversary

When the conductors baton descends before the Queens Symphony Orchestra (QSO) next week, the ensemble and its audience will pay tribute to one of the boroughs most cherished musical institutions and its founder, David Katz.
On Tuesday, the QSO celebrates its golden anniversary in a gala at the US Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point. The event will honor Councilwoman Melinda Katz, whose father founded the group and was its leader until his death in 1987. The QSO will perform following the ceremony.
Maestro Katz started the symphony on the principle that the people of Queens should not have to go to Manhattan to hear good music.
"He really loved this borough," said Melinda Katz. "He didnt think anyone should have to go over a bridge or through a tunnel to hear a good concert."
David Katz, a music instructor at Jamaica High School, started the group in 1953 as an amateur orchestra; by the early 1970s its membership was professional. Today it hires about 75 musicians for its biggest performances.
Since the orchestras modest beginnings in the basement of the Katz Forest Hills home, it has made its way to the 875-seat Bayside theatre where it now gives concerts.
During his 34-year directorship, David Katz was loyal to the ensemble, guiding it through its growing pains and the transition from volunteer to paid ensemble.
"He had a lot of offers to conduct in other places and work with other groups," said Melinda Katz, "but he stayed [with the QSO]."
Music director Arthur Fagenwho has conducted operatic and symphonic music throughout the world and is general music director of the Dortmund Philharmonic in Germanyhas led the QSO since 1989.
Today the symphony is the oldest and largest performing arts institution in the borough and the only professional orchestra in Queens. According to its mission statement, the QSO’s purpose is to provide "programs of musical excellence that include celebrating the diversity in the borough and inspire an understanding and appreciation among all the people of Queens" and to provide "a broad spectrum of high-quality orchestral and related music programs."
The symphony offers a free "Masterworks Concert Series," at Queensborough Community College; "Young Peoples" concerts in Queens schools; and "QSOs Neighborhood Connection to the Classics," a "decentralization campaign" that has reached 25,000 listeners of diverse backgrounds since 1994. Ensemble members also give smaller-group chamber music concerts.
Despite the orchestras 50-year success, financial realities have made for an uncertain future. City budget cuts could hobble the QSOs $1 million budget, 75% of which comes from taxpayer dollars. The symphony has already lost $100,000 in city funding since 9/11.
Also honored at the gala will be Elsi Levy, QSO board member; Leon Levy, chief executive officer, Foundation/Engineering LLC; and NYPD Officer Daniel Rodriguez, best known as "Americas Tenor."
The evenings musical offerings and conductor had not been made public by press time, but Councilwoman Katz said she will probably sing "America the Beautiful" as part of the program.
For tickets to the June 3 gala or to become a sponsor, call the QSO at 718-326-4455, ext. 18. For additional information, visit the QSO online at www.queenssymphony.org .