By Merle Exit
Despite the exodus that can be Memorial Day Weekend, Mary’s Nativity Church was packed with music lovers on Sunday for the performances of the Queensboro Symphony Orchestra and official debut of the Queensboro Symphony Choir.
The founder of the Queensboro Symphony Orchestra, Paul Joseph, has added a new musical dimension with the creation of the Queensboro Symphonic Choir, which made its debut May 28. It was one of the most dynamic performances this reviewer has seen, thanks to the talent of artists and acoustics of the venue. For Joseph, adding a choir was another step in the formation of the Queensboro Music Society in Queens.
“It originated with a Town Hall Series of chamber music concerts presented by the orchestra members,” said Joseph.
Anton Bruckner’s “Te Deum” was the 25-minute hymn that featured the choir, led by choir director Jin Soo Lee. There are 25 members of the choir, and it was clear from the performance that the singers were either professional or semi-professional.
“Te Deum” highlighted the orchestra, chorus, and four soloists. Soprano Hee Jung Lee, born in Seoul, South Korea, is a member of the Caramoor Opera. Alto Sahoko Sato Timpone, a native of Tokyo who grew up in Germany and the United States, has an impressive background of performances throughout the world, and is also a member of the Met Opera Chorus. Tenor Hyun Ho Cho is a graduate of Mannes School of Music PSD. Singing Bass was Joseph Han, a second-prize winner of the East Coast International Competition at the Music Institute of Long Island.
Joseph’s compositions “Cry of a Butterfly” and “First Tears of Spring” opened the evening’s presentation as assistant Concertmaster Hanako Miyajima took her seat. It was easy to tell that what followed would be an example of greatness.
This awe-inspiring program, led by maestro Dong-Hyun Kim, included Max Bruch’s “Scottish Fantasy” for violin with orchestra and harp, featuring Japanese-born violinist and Concertmaster Kae Nakano, who is a “virtuoso.”
Queensboro Symphony Chamber Music Society, a small group from the orchestra, will be performing at Flushing Town Hall on Friday, June 23, at 11 am. The Queensboro Symphony Orchestra has its season opener on October 8.
