Huntington Musicians Perform Alongside Symphonic Pops

This year’s Symphonic Pops of Long Island intergenerational concert drew a large crowd to the Huntington High School auditorium on a recent Sunday afternoon as seasoned musicians performed a delightful selection of music, including a segment in which high school orchestra members sat alongside the professionals and played together.

This year’s Symphonic Pops of Long Island intergenerational concert drew a large crowd to the Huntington High School auditorium on a recent Sunday afternoon as seasoned musicians performed a delightful selection of music, including a segment in which high school orchestra members sat alongside the professionals and played together.

The Symphonic Pops is a collection of talented adult musicians, including many who played professionally, others who worked as music teachers and several more who just love to perform. The orchestra has a devoted following for good reason; they produce appealing sounds and spirited music.

One of the highlights of the show came when the Huntington High School orchestra joined Symphonic Pops musicians on stage for an intergenerational performance of several challenging pieces.

The Symphonic Pops has been collaborating with Huntington High School for decades. The concert was made even more special since it was one of the last times that longtime conductor Stephen Michael Smith will hold the baton since he is retiring at the conclusion of the season.

This year’s concert was called Journey to Outer Space and it featured music from Star Wars, E.T., Star Trek and more such films.

Fifty-five Huntington student-musicians sat on stage alongside Symphonic Pops members during collaborative segment, sharing music stands. The two groups rehearsed in school earlier in the week.

The high school student-musicians were provided with the concert music last December so they could begin preparing. Senior Chloe Hunt was featured as soloist during the Star Trek music segment.

Huntington student-musicians Lily Tierney, Anthony Retamal Vidal, Anne Tyrrell, Rachel Huth, Sam McGloin, Josue Fernandez, and Chloe Hunt introduced each musical piece during the concert.

Huntington High School orchestra director James DiMeglio coordinated the collaboration between the two groups. The high school student-musicians were thrilled with the experience.

“We loved it,” senior Lily Tierney said. “We really liked being able to perform with more experienced musicians. It inspired a lot of students.”

A team effort was behind the successful concert. “Mike Zigon, the stage manager, as well as the custodial staff were incredibly invaluable for this concert for all of the help they provided with getting the stage set up,” Mr. DiMeglio said.