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The Long Island Philharmonic, currently in its 30th season, is the largest performing-arts organization and only professional orchestra on the isle. It was founded in 1979 by folk singer Harry Chapin, in collaboration with Maestro Christopher Keene and several area business leaders. Since then, the orchestra has provided cultural and educational benefits of the highest level to Long Islanders.
In 2001, David Wiley, renowned pianist and conductor of Virginia’s Roanoke Symphony Orchestra, became the fourth musical director of the L.I. Philharmonic after an international search involving hundreds of applicants. In the past seven years, Wiley has brought a resurgence of energy and artistic growth to the ensemble. But he is quick to credit “the amazing team of musicians, staff, board of directors, and donors who have all worked together to make it as great as it can be.” A wonderful mentor to promising young musicians, the conductor is known for his side-by-side concerts, when top students perform with the L.I. Philharmonic. In his popular “pre-concert conversations,” guests are invited into an intimate setting where Wiley plays examples of the evening’s music and answers questions from the audience. “We want people to feel comfortable supporting L.I. Philharmonic, so we strive to make the concert experience as personal and special as possible”, he explains.
To recognize three decades of outstanding achievements, the L.I. Philharmonic continues its celebration with Classic Concerts II: Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, and Billy Joel, to be held at the Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University on Saturday, November 15, at 8 p.m., and the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at C.W. Post on Sunday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m. David Kim, distinguished violinist and concert-master of the Philadelphia Orchestra, will perform the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, and the orchestra will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5. “To hear these pieces live is one of those moments that can make the hair on the back of your neck stand up,” says Wiley. Billy Joel’s “Elegy: The Great Peconic,” a tribute to the Long Island fishing industry, will be performed by the orchestra as well. “Billy Joel is such a multi-talented man, and he’s been so generous to Long Island. We’re really honored and privileged to perform his work,” adds Wiley. “For those of us who have known and loved his music over the years, it’s a real treat to hear his piece in full symphony orchestra.”
For tickets, call (631) 293-2222 or visit liphilharmonic.org
