Massapequa Musicians Learn From A Master

MASSAPEQUA, NY — Before world-renowned cellist Zlatomir Fung joined the Massapequa Philharmonic for a concert, he educated orchestra students at Massapequa High School during an after-school master class on March 28.

Fung’s visit, part of the district’s Music in Our Schools Month activities in March, was open to all students from Berner Middle School and Massapequa High School’s main and Ames campuses who play the cello. About two dozen students attended the session in the high school auditorium, in which the 22-year-old, award-winning musician talked about his background and played a couple of solo pieces.

Three student cellists then performed for Fung, who gave them personalized critiques. Sarah Popeck played “Gigue” from Bach’s Suite No. 4, Jayden Pearl took on the prelude from Bach’s Suite No. 2 and Madeline Dagger selected Edouard Lalo’s “Cello Concerto.” Dagger was accompanied on the piano by David Bernard, music director of the Massapequa Philharmonic.

“For students to have the opportunity to hear a world-class cellist, that’s extraordinary,” said Vincent Green, Massapequa’s director of fine and performing arts. “Having someone of this caliber giving advice and feedback to our students in a wonderful learning experience.”