The Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset is hosting its annual summer concert at 1 p.m. July 30, featuring the Orchestra at Shelter Rock and an art retrospective and reception across the grounds of the Veatch Mansion.
Shelter Rock music director and orchestra conductor Stephen Michael Smith started the full orchestra 11 years ago and said he is excited about its first outdoor summer concert, both to enjoy the summer weather and to have more space for the audience.
Smith said the musical line-up will include Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” narrated by congregation member Robert Nuxoll, Manuel de Falla’s “Night in the Gardens of Spain” and Alberto Ginastera’s “Dances from the Ballet Estancia.” Music from the concert will be broadcast around the 100-acre property, Smith said, so guests can enjoy the music while wandering the grounds on a Sunday afternoon.
Along with the orchestra, Juilliard School alumnus Nathanial LaNasa will perform a piano solo with “Night in the Gardens of Spain.”
“Also on the program is Dances from the Ballet Estancia, a fun, spirited set of dances written for Argentine Gaucho cowboys,” Smith said. “It will be a performance not to be soon forgotten.”
The one-hour concert will be followed by a reception with the musicians behind the Veatch Mansion. In conjunction with the summer concert, the art gallery will also be open, featuring 11 artists invited back for this special second showing of their work.
The congregation’s communications manager, Jennifer Sappell, said a tent will be set up outside between the lobby and the chapel, and the concert will continue rain or shine.
Smith said they are urging congregation members and community members alike to spend the day enjoying the music, the art and the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock’s facility.
“This is really world-class music. This is a repertoire not often heard, and it’s really fun and wonderful music,” Smith said. “I think it’s a wonderful way to spend the day, with some music and a little food at the reception and just enjoy this beautiful property. What could be better on a Sunday afternoon?”
