The University of Dayton Orchestra, under the leadership of Patrick Reynolds, Professor of Music and Conductor, is set to bring a special blend of classical music to Long Island this month. As part of its Fall tour, the orchestra will visit Marianist and Catholic communities in New York, including a series of performances in Nassau County.
The University of Dayton, a private Catholic university located in Dayton, Ohio, has a rich history dating back to 1850. Founded by the Society of Mary, it is one of only three Marianist universities in the U.S. and stands as Ohio’s second-largest private university. True to its Catholic and Marianist identity, the university’s outreach extends far beyond its Midwestern roots. This year’s Fall tour embodies that mission, bringing the talented musicians of the Dayton Orchestra to local audiences on Long Island.
The University Orchestra is composed of student musicians representing 24 different academic majors from across the entire university, showcasing the broad interdisciplinary talents of the University of Dayton. Led by conductor Patrick Reynolds, the orchestra performs four concerts annually, with two performances in the Fall featuring the string orchestra, and two in the Spring showcasing the full orchestra.
This weekend, the Orchestra will have the honor of celebrating Mass at CurĂ© of Ars Catholic Church in Merrick, New York. They will provide music for both the 9:30 and 11:30 am Masses on Sunday, October 6th, under the spiritual leadership of Msgr. Frank Caldwell. The pastor expressed his excitement for the upcoming visit, stating, “Cure of Ars is very fortunate to have a deep connection with the Marianist Community, especially  through Chaminade and Kellenberg Memorial High Schools, where many of our parishioners attend and enjoy. The Marinist philosophy of education and faith formation that permeates Dayton University, and all its schools enriches the Catholic Church in America!”
Following the Masses, the Orchestra will perform a public concert at Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale at 3:00 pm that same afternoon. The concert program will be a true feast for classical music lovers, featuring works by some of the greatest composers in history, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Johann Pachelbel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Josef Haydn, and Florence Price. One of the highlights will be a performance of a cello concerto by Haydn, featuring soloist Gabriel Lusk. The concert will also include selections by the beloved contemporary choral composer John Rutter.
For local Long Islanders, this will be a unique opportunity to hear a talented student orchestra from a prestigious university, celebrating the intersection of faith and music in a weekend of cultural and spiritual enrichment. Don’t miss the chance to witness these remarkable young musicians in their performances at CurĂ© of Ars Church and Kellenberg Memorial High School.
The University of Dayton Orchestra’s visit to Long Island promises to be an unforgettable experience, as they share their gift of music with the Catholic community and all who attend their concert.
