Long Island-based Sound Symphony Orchestra will present a concert of Brahms and Dvořák on Friday, Jan. 30, at JFK Middle School in Port Jefferson Station.
The program will feature Slovanic Dances by Antonín Dvořák, known for Bohemian rhythms, as well as Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 3, written in homage to a close friend and influencer.
The concert runs from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at 200 Jayne Blvd. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for seniors, and free for military personnel and children under 12.
“I always try to get my audiences involved, and I introduce them to what this music is all about,” said Christen Olson, who became conductor in 2025. “Whether it’s something you’re familiar with or new to, we try to appeal to both sides.”
Both featured composers are celebrated for their work. Olson said, “I think people will enjoy the rustic appeal [of the Slovanic Dances] and the folksy character of these dances. They are based off of Bohemian rhythms from the 19th century, but the melodies are entirely Dvořák.”
Brahms’ symphony is another crowd-pleaser. Although Olson said the ending is not as rambunctious as some of his other work, it is described as passionate and emotional.
Founder Dan Millheiser started the orchestra 43 years ago after another group disbanded.
“A bunch of players got together and said, ‘We have to do this ourselves.’” He said it is still fun after all these years.
Sound Symphony will have 50 volunteer players on stage for the concert.
“We have doctors, lawyers, all different varieties of people in different professions that kept playing after they left college or high school,” Millheiser said.
Although new to Sound Symphony, Olson brings an extensive background, including accolades for leading performances at the Glimmerglass Festival and serving as an AAF Faber Conducting Fellow at the Salzburg Festspiele. He is also assistant conductor for the Greenwich Village Orchestra.
For more information, visit the Sound Symphony Orchestra website.