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Arts & Entertainment

LI Philharmonic Takes Heckscher Audience Around the World

The Long Island Philharmonic performed a set of well-known pieces from various origins and time periods at Heckscher Park's Chapin Rainbow Stage.

The Long Island Philharmonic took the Heckscher Park audience on a two-hour musical tour filled with familiar and well-known tunes during its "Classics Around the World" show late last month as part of the 45th Annual Summer Arts Festival, presented by the Town of Huntington and the Huntington Arts Council.

According to Karen Beluso, the Philharmonic's Director of Education and Community Engagement, the group's concert at Heckscher is always popular because of the location at the Chapin Rainbow Stage. "It's part of our community,' Beluso said. "Our offices are in Melville; this has been like our home base. So it's great to be here. This is one of their biggest, most well-attended events."

David Wiley, the philharmonic's conductor, agreed when he addressed the crowd after the National Anthem was played. "Me and the Long Island Philharmonic look forward to this concert every year," Wiley said. "To see many of you come year after year, it's such a great privilege and treasure for us."

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In keeping with the concert's theme, Wiley explained that the songs were "from literally all over the world." The philharmonic's set consisted of numbers that all seemed at least somewhat familiar to the audience. Even if the songs' actual names were not recognizable, Wiley assured everyone they would know them right away.

"It's a summer concert, so we try to lean more towards a pops or a light classical program with familiar pieces," Beluso explained.

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The philharmonic also played a few movie scores, including music from the Pirates of the Caribbean movie and a medley of songs from classic Western movies.

One very popular number was entitled, "What's Up at the Symphony," a medley of classical pieces used in Looney Tunes cartoons. Laughter was audible throughout the whole piece, especially when Wiley put on a viking helmet for Richard Wanger's "Ride of the Valkyries."

"I think everybody likes that one," said Jacob Friedman, a Brandeis student who interns with the philharmonic.

Many audience members said they appreciated the program. "I love it, I think it's great," said Laura Sargent of East Islip, who said she came to the show because she loves classical music. "I like that it's more recognizable music than what I'm used to with other concerts."

Smithtown resident Sharon Steuer, who said she also attended some of the shows earlier in the summer, added, "I thought it was wonderful, absolutely great. It was just a lot of light, fun music. It was very entertaining."

Steuer said she really enjoys the concert series at Heckscher Park and will definitely be back next summer.

"It's a beautiful night, with beautiful music, and being with friends," Steuer said. "It's just a lot of fun, it's always great to come to these concerts."

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