Merchant of the Week: Director-Conductor of The Chappaqua Orchestra, Michael Shapiro

July 13, 2012
by Rob Greenstein

I went to meet with Michael Shapiro, Conductor of The Chappaqua Orchestra, to ask about the Enchanted Evening he has in store for us at next Wednesday’s “Sounds of Summer” gazebo concert.

Michael Shapiro
The Chappaqua Orchestra
P. O. Box 461
Chappaqua, NY 10514
212-417-9191
www.chappaquaorchestra.org
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Have you always had an interest in music?

I was born into a musical family,  and since an early age I expressed myself with music.  I hold a Master’s degree in music from The Juilliard School of Music. 

How long have you been Music Director and Conductor of The Chappaqua Orchestra?

For ten wonderful years!

Do you only compose for orchestras?

I compose for every medium, including works for solo voice, piano, chamber and orchestral music as well as television, film and opera. My newest CD, Variation, featuring violinist Tim Fain and cellist Sato Knudsen (of the Boston Symphony) is now available on Amazon, CD Baby and iTunes.

Tell me about your open-air concert this Wednesday night at the gazebo downtown.

Some Enchanted Evening - The Music of Rogers and Hammerstein on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 @ 7:00 PM, New Castle Recreational Field. You’ll hear Suites from the great musicals like Oklahoma, Carousel, The King and I, South Pacific and The Sound of Music. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs, and family picnic to this free concert at the recreation field next to town hall.  And now we can all enjoy food being sold by local merchants, thanks to the Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce.

Tell me about The Chappaqua Orchestra Collection at the Chappaqua Library.

Each season we donate three to ten music CD’s to the Chappaqua Library. 

Is The Chappaqua Orchestra and/or musicians available for private events?

Yes, the orchestra and its musicians are available for private events.  They’re all paid professionals.

How can people support the Chappaqua Orchestra?

To make a donation: Donate through NY Charities using the secure link below, or make checks payable to the “The Chappaqua Orchestra” and mail your tax deductible contributions to:

The Chappaqua Orchestra
P. O. Box 461
Chappaqua, NY 10514

http://www.nycharities.org/donate/c_donate.asp?CharityCode=1348

See photos of last week’s gazebo concert below:

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