Convinced that Northport’s arts-rich community could sustain a community orchestra, a group of Northport area musicians, led by Richard Hyman (NSO Conductor Emeritus), founded the Northport Community Orchestra in January 2007 with the support of the Northport-East Northport School District, the Northport Chorale, and the Northport Community Band. The ensemble debuted in May 2007 as part of the Chorale’s 25th anniversary concert and became the Northport Symphony Orchestra (NSO) in 2009.
Under the direction of maestro Eric Mahl, the NSO has expanded its orchestral repertoire to showcase lesser-known works, adding a unique counterpart to conventional programming. Our diverse members—including music educators, executives, entrepreneurs, physicians, attorneys, retirees, talented students, and others—find common purpose and passion in fulfilling our mission to create community through the transformative power of music by providing enriching experiences for our audiences and our members. The NSO rehearses on Wednesday evenings in the Northport area.
Eric Mahl received his Bachelor’s in Music Education from Ithaca College and studied at Université de Montréal and the State University of New York at Fredonia, where he received a Master’s degree.
He has studied with some of the foremost conducting pedagogues in the United States, including Marin Alsop, James Ross, Harold Farberman, Neil Varon, Marc Gibson, Larry Rachleff, Don Schleicher, Jean-Francois Rivest, Paolo Bellomia, and Joseph Gifford. When not on the podium, his passions extend to fitness, tennis, and spending time in nature.
Northport Symphony Orchestra enriches our community through the transformative power of music, by creating a harmonious connection through education and unparalleled musical experiences.
PRESIDENT
Lynn Adler
VICE PRESIDENT
Kathrynne Yland
TREASURER
Joseph Rabinowitz
SECRETARY
Michael Kitakis
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stephanie Branta
Keith Itzler
Susan Rubner
Ellen Ryan
Michael Rabinowitz
Katerina Grein
Violin 1
Hiroko Nakahara, Concertmaster
Stephanie Branta
Michelle Herman
Paul Little
Theresa McGiff
Antonis Panayotatos
Tracy Souhrada
Violin 2
Bonnie Foti
Heather Hannum
Margaret Janke
Abigail Keefe*
Michele Morin-Slaka
Ellen Richardson
Viola
Michael Dunnell
Katerina Grein*
Jennifer Hildreth
Nicole Marshall
Stephanie Shin
Cello
Julia Binger
Arianna Braccino*
Blake Dunn
Richard Gotlib
Michael Kitakis
Jack Knight
Carter Shin
Bass
Gabriel Sherman
Flute
Naomi Gage
Deborah Sherman
Leslie Strait
Edna Susman*
Piccolo
Naomi Gage
Deborah Sherman
Leslie Strait
Oboe
Witold Koziel*
Gary Meyer
English Horn
Gary Meyer
Clarinet
Alexis Lundy
Gary Meyer
Kathrynne Yland*
Bass Clarinet
Dennis McLoughlin
Bassoon
Jill Bellovin
Keith Itzler*
French Horn
Lynn Adler
Melaina Badalian*
Isabel Carton
Torrey D’Angelo
Brian Goldman
Erik Hyman
Bailey Perez
Trumpet
Ellen Ryan
John Zalewski*
Trombone
Laura Fallon
Michael Richardson*
Ronald Stanton
Stacy Stollberger
Tuba
Beth Lodal
Percussion
Zach Cohen
Jim Dragovich
Michael Rabinowitz*
