Rockaway-Five Towns Symphony Orchestra marks start of 70th season

The Rockaway-Five Towns Symphony Orchestra’s maestro Louis Panacciulli said he has been a musician all his life; Benjamin Coleman, the group’s president and longest-tenured member, said music is in his blood; and flutist Mary Shaw, the second longest member said it is her peers, the conductor and the loyal community that sustains her involvement.

Considered the oldest community orchestra in the New York metropolitan area, according to Shaw, who also doubles as the treasurer, the nonprofit group of 55 musicians will open its 70th season on Oct. 26.

Its mission is to “serve the community through the promotion of live music,” and “give talented local musicians of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to collaborate on the wonderful art of music making.” The orchestra includes musicians from high school to those who could join the American Association of Retired Persons.

“We have a loyal following,” said Shaw, a lifelong Valley Stream resident. “I think it’s the audience that motivates us and the idea of keeping classical music alive on Long Island.”

The orchestra has rehearsed and performed in the Rockaway section of Queens, the Five Towns, then found a home in Lynbrook and now at the James A Dever School in Valley Stream.

Panacciulli, who lives in Elmont, was raised in a family of musicians. His father played the guitar and violin, his mother was a pianist. “My older sibling played the piano, but I was the only one who pursued it professionally,” he said, adding that his parents suggested studying to become a music educator. Panacciulli taught for 20 years in Valley Stream District 13 and has been on the Nassau Community Faculty for 28 years. He has conducted the orchestra since 2016, and led the Nassau Pops.

Coleman recounted that his first-ever orchestral concert was this symphony as a student at Hillcrest High School in Queens. His teacher was Marsha Patelson and the then conductor was Rafael Adler. “It’s the love of music, the love of playing the clarinet,” he said, in explaining his continued involvement. “I’ve resigned from other groups, but always maintained my relations ship with the Rockaway group.”

Saturday’s concert has a Halloween theme and is aimed at attracting, hopefully, the next generation of concertgoers as children under 12 in costume and accompanied by an adult will be admitted free. Shaw also noted that there will be a meet and greet after the performance, sweets and a 50/50 raffle. Occasionally, she said, the winner has donated the money back to the orchestra. But there is no pressure. Financial support does come from the musicians and other supporters. Government grants have dwindled, Shaw noted.

The Rockaway-Five Towns Symphony Orchestra opens its 70th season on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m., 585 N. Corona Ave. in Valley Stream. Tickets $10 at the door. For more information, go to http://rftsymphony.org/.