By Merle Exit
The Queensboro Symphony Orchestra has expanded its venue to include a series of concerts at Moakyang Presbyterian Church in Whitestone. “Classical Christmas” marks the debut the series on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m.
The orchestra will be bringing along their Symphony Choir to sing a medley of Christmas Carols with a to-be-announced soloist for “Oh, Holy Night.”
The program, chosen and conducted by Maestro Dong-hyun Kim will also feature two non-holiday classical pieces, the popular “Pachelbel Canon” and J.S. Bach’s festive “Brandenburg Concerto No. 4,” featuring Concertmaster violinist Kae Nakano with flautists Noriko Omichi and Ti Chung.
“Pachebel Canon,” composed by Johann Pachebel, features two violins and a bass. Excerpts from this piece have become popular at weddings and funerals. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is noted for using this instrumental composition entitled it, “Christmas Canon” and adding lyrics.
“I chose these two classical pieces simply for the sounds,” said Kim.
“Pachelbel Canon,” is both quite recognizable and soothing, while Brandenburg is a more lively arrangement that adds the woodwind instrument to the strings.
Founded in 2015, Composer-in-Residence Paul Joseph had added a new musical dimension with the creation of the Queensboro Symphonic Choir, which made its debut in May, 2016. The company regularly performs at Mary’s Nativity Church in Flushing.
Rev. Peter Song, Senior Pastor at Moakyang — located at 12-25 Clintonville St. — said that he had reached out to Kim a week ago.
“Although our church serves the Korean community, we want to share the music with our other neighbors as well,” he said.
Rev. Song said that they are planning to have a series of Kim’s concerts performed at his church, beginning with “Classical Christmas.”
The concert, set to begin at 8 p.m., is free to the public. Free-will offerings are accepted.
For more information, call 646-957-1241
Queensboro Symphony Orchestra will be returning to their venue — Mary’s Nativity Church, located at 46-02 Parsons Blvd. — for a Dec. 30 Pre-New Year’s Eve concert. The program includes Edvard Greig’s “Holberg Suite;” Richard Wagner’s “Seigfried Idyll;” and J. S. Bach’s “Concerto for Two Violins” featuring Mahi Omori and Saki Kaneko.
The concert is scheduled for 8 p.m.
