World Class Musicians Form Classical Music Ensemble in Riverdale

Great news for Bronxites who love the rich symphonies and lush musical ensembles that are regularly featured at Carnegie Hall, but don't love the travel (or cost) that's involved in taking in shows at the famed theater...

Mark Mandarano, a Riverdale resident who most recently served as Principal Guest Conductor of the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, has pulled together a group of chamber musicians, soloists and symphony players from throughout New York to form the Sinfonietta of Riverdale.

The goal of this newly created ensemble is to give unique concerts of the highest quality in a convenient location in the leafy Bronx neighborhood of Riverdale. They also plan to serve as an educational resource by presenting children's concerts and by collaborating with local schools and youth organizations.

The upcoming inaugural season of the Sinfonietta of Riverdale will feature two concerts: Sunday, January 25, 2009, and Sunday, May 3, 2009. Both concerts will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the ballroom of the Riverdale Temple (4545 Independence Avenue, @ 246th Street). The first concert will feature music by Mozart and Beethoven, as well as lesser-known masterworks by Benjamin Britten and Bernhard Sekles. The second features a guest artist, the acclaimed pianist Benjamin Hochman, playing Bach, in addition to music for strings by Tchaikovsky and a New York premiere by the Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Karel Husa.

Tickets are quite affordable at the following prices (plus $2.50 service charge for each ticket):

Standard — $30
Senior — $25
Riverdale Temple member — $25
Student — $15

To purchase tickets or learn more about Mark Mandarano or the Sinfonietta of Riverdale, please click here to view their website. They are in the process of acquiring their independent non-profit status and rely heavily on donations from supporters. Anyone interested in making a donation can find more information on the website.

This is clearly a very exciting development for all music-lovers in the BoogieDown, and we wish the Sinfonietta of Riverdale nothing but success!

For out-of-towners, try saving with Orbitz promotional codes and experience this world class event.

*Photo of Mark Mandarano courtesy of sinfoniettanyc.org*

~ErLu