Southampton - The Southampton Cultural Center will present the Long Island Opera and the Peconic Youth Orchestra for a special Spring Concert on Thursday, March 25, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. This special evening of music pairs LIO and PYO performing works ranging from Mozart to Rossini, at the Southampton Cultural Center's Levitas Center for the Arts, 25 Pond Lane, Southampton.

The Peconic Youth Orchestra was founded in 1999 by Michael Tortorice, who had the imagination and initiative to conceive of a string orchestra for his daughters and their musical friends to meet outside of the traditional school setting. The PYO is a symphonic ensemble comprised of students from all areas of Eastern Suffolk. In its 10-year history, the group has performed (in the original composer's scoring) such works as Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker," Dvorak's New World Symphony, Corelli's Christmas Concerto, Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," and Handel's Messiah, as well as more contemporary works such as Williams' "Star Wars," and Hans Zimmer's "Pirates of the Caribbean." Students in this group are playing at NYSSMA Levels 4-6 and are directed by conductor Ken Vignona.

John di Costanzo, Artistic Director of Long Island Opera.

Long Island Opera (LIO) is Long Island's oldest opera company in existence. Since LIO's incorporation as a 501(c)(3) in 1961, it has continued to captivate audiences with high quality and professional opera performances. Executive Director Joy Berta and Artistic Director John di Costanzo are continuing the legacy of LIO's rich history, bringing thrilling and unforgettable performances to the communities of Long Island. LIO's 2010 season will also include four exciting performances of Verdi's "La Traviata" on June 24 through June 27 at the Southampton Cultural Center.

For more information on the LIO contact Joy Berta at joyberta@gmail.com

For more information on the PYO contact Ken Vignona at kvignona@gmail.com

Tickets: No charge but donations for the benefit of the orchestra are appreciated.

For more information call 631-287-4377, or go to
www.southamptonculturalcenter.org.