This week, as the Board of Directors of the ASTORIA MUSIC SOCIETY grappled with logistical plans for the upcoming season, Councilmember Peter Vallone, Jr. secured financial support from New York City to help the organization accomplish its goals. Councilmember Vallone, who is also a talented musician, has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to the arts in Queens. His consistent support of local music organizations, festivals, acting troupes, and museums has helped develop the artistic vitality of western Queens over the years.

Mr. Vallone’s assistance to the Astoria Music Society underscores his commitment to the arts. He fought hard to obtain the funds that will help enrich the cultural offerings of western Queens. Arts and music organizations in Astoria and Long Island City have benefited from Mr. Vallone’s strong support, and local residents can now choose from a wealth of arts offerings in the area. Councilmember Vallone’s backing of the Astoria Symphony adds even more possibilities.

The Astoria Music Society is a musical organization dedicated to the musical enrichment of Queens. The Society consists of the Astoria Symphony, the Lost Dog New Musik Ensemble, and a number of chamber music and jazz ensembles. Now in its fourth year since inception, the Astoria Music Society presents a dozen concerts per year, and collaborates with other community organizations, like the Opera Company of Astoria, the Sacred Chorale of Richmond Hill, and the Yorkville Singers.

“The Astoria Symphony’s first two seasons were remarkably successful,” says Silas Nathaniel Huff, Music Director of the Society, “and thanks to Councilmember Vallone, our third will be a real milestone for us. The season we are planning consists of time-tested staples of the repertoire, and some new and exciting music, too. We perform music that matters, and I think our audience will be delighted. We simply couldn’t do it without Mr. Vallone’s help.”

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE—BECAUSE MUSIC MATTERS!

“We are ecstatic about Mr. Vallone’s support for the next fiscal year,” says Allen Schulz, President of the AMS Board of Directors, “but there is still a lot of work to be done.” Grants from the Queens Council of the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York State Commission on the Arts, and Mr. Vallone cover about a third of the Society’s expenses. Box office receipts cover another third, but the Society depends on private donors in order to keep the music alive.

“We need angels,” says Schulz, “and every donation is crucial, no matter how small.”

This season is the third since the Astoria Music Society obtained IRS 501(c)3 tax-exempt status. The designation means that all donations to the Society are fully tax-deductible.

“We perform music that matters to Astoria, to Queens, and to the world,” says Huff. “Our donors are our backbone. Without the generosity of our audience, our fans, and our friends, we wouldn’t exist. These people are extremely important to music…the musicians, the Board of Directors, and I appreciate each of them.”

Huff also points out that the Society has incentives for buying season passes and joining its ranks of supporters. “We will give a lot of gifts to our donors and subscribers this year, like CDs and tee-shirts. The greatest gift, though, is coming to the concert and seeing what you’ve helped create. Nothing else can give a music lover that kind of satisfaction.”

To be placed on the AMS mailing list or to receive a season brochure and concert information contact the Society at (718) 204-9034, or e-mail info@AstoriaMusic.org

Financial support for the performing arts in Astoria is essential. Music lovers who want to support the Astoria Music Society by sponsoring or underwriting a concert, or by advertising in a playbill are invited to contact Taylor Morris at the Astoria Music Society at (718) 204-9034 or Or email Taylor at taylor@astoriamusic.org.

To learn more about supporting the Society or contact us visit our Web site at astoriamusic.org