Yonkers Concert Band

The Yonkers Concert Band is one of the few remaining Italian concert bands in the tri-state area. It was founded in 1941 by Leonard DiMalta in the "Little Italy" section of Park Hill, Yonkers and was originally known as DiMalta's Band. Today, the Yonkers Concert Band is proud to continue the tradition of performing fine classic Italian music in a live program.

The 30 piece band will perform a Columbus Day Concert on Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 2:00 PM under the direction of Joseph Stamboni with Cristina Castaldi, soprano and Dale Smith, tenor. The concert will take place at Saunders High School Auditorium, 183 Palmer Road, Yonkers, NY. Admission is free and open to all.

The two hour program will include the symphonic march “Alessandrina” by Ingo, highlights from Verdi operas, the William Tell Overture by Rossini, the “Garibaldi March” by Olivieri, and the band’s signature piece: a unique sing-along of twelve Neapolitan songs, with words provided to the audience. The sing-along includes Santa Lucia, O Sole Mio, Vieni Sul Mar, Return to Sorrento, and other favorites.

Soprano Cristina Castaldi will perform “Un Bel Di Vedremo” from Madame Butterfly by Puccini, and “Micaela’s Aria” from Carmen by Bizet. Tenor Dale Smith will perform “Core ‘Ngrato” by Cardillo and “Nessun Dorma” from Turandot by Puccini. They then join talents to perform “Ah, Verranno a Te“ from Donizetti’s Lucia di Lammermoor, marking the premiere performance of this love duet in our annual program.

The afternoon will also include an appearance by Miss Columbus 2007.

This performance is sponsored by the Yonkers Columbus Day Celebration Committee 2007 with grants provided by the City of Yonkers, Philip A. Amicone, Mayor, the Yonkers Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation and the Yonkers Department of Community Development.

Saunders High School is located immediately east of the Saw Mill River Parkway at Exit 5A, Palmer Road, Yonkers, New York.

For further information contact Lucille Sciacca, Concert Chair at Yocolumbuscncrt@aol.com or call 914 423 3592.

For more information about the Yonkers Concert Band or its history please contact Frank Cardone, band manager at 914 377 6440 during business hours.