Senator Joseph Addabbo brought more holiday spirit to Woodhaven on Tuesday, Dec. 17, after hosting a festive concert full of familiar classics.
Addabbo represents District 15, which covers central and southern Queens, including most of the neighborhoods of Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, Lindenwood, South Ozone Park and South Richmond Hill.
The concert featured the musical talents of Harmony 4 All, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing music education accessibility for marginalized students. Harmony 4 All recognizes music’s vital role in emotional and intellectual development, and by eliminating financial barriers and giving access to musical resources, it empowers students to embrace their love for music and artistic expression.
The local talent lit up the All Saints Episcopal Church in Woodhaven with heartfelt performances of many people’s favorite holiday tunes, such as a unique version of ‘White Christmas.’ The concert showcased the brother-sister duo Bianca and Joshua Quddus, who shared their passion for music with the community.
“The joy of music brings us together and enriches our lives,” said Addabbo. “Events like these not only celebrate the holiday spirit but also support our young artists and the transformative power of music education.”
Joshua Quddus, an accomplished alto saxophonist, led his band, the Joshua Quddus Trio, which includes talented young musicians bassist Lucas Giordano and drummer Benjamin Sirignano. Bianca Quddus, a skilled clarinetist, also captivated the audience with her solo performances.
Bianca and Joshua are the co-founders of Harmony 4 All and are both Global Youth Ambassadors to the Foundation of Support for the United Nations.
In 2021, Bianca was chosen, alongside nine other young women nationally, to participate in the Colburn School’s Fortissima, a program for young women of color’s leadership in classical music. She also participated in the YOLA Festival in the summer of 2020. She has performed at prestigious institutions nationwide, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Colburn School, The Juilliard School, the New England Conservatory, the United Nations, and Harvard Medical School.
Meanwhile, Joshua is also an educator, programmer, and mathematics enthusiast. He tutors through the Relume Organization and partnered with schools in Harlem to support educationally disadvantaged children. In 2022, Joshua was awarded the Vargas-Vetter/Ukena Fellowship, receiving a significant stipend and professional mentorship to further his musical endeavors.
He has performed at prestigious venues like Bianca, including Peter Jay Sharp Theatre, Birdland Jazz Club, Dizzy’s Club, The Times Center, Shapeshifter Lab, and more. He is also a member of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Youth Orchestra and Mary Lou Williams Combo and is the youngest member of the New York Youth Symphony’s Jazz Band.
Harmony 4 All offers free instrument rentals and repairs to students and provides a musical curriculum to teachers, ensuring that all students have the tools they need to explore and develop their musical talents.
They are actively accepting donations to further their mission of supporting underfunded public schools in New York City. You can find more information about them here.
