Clarinet and piano recital at OCCC Sunday

MIDDLETOWN — Emeritus Principal Clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic, Stanley Drucker, will play on the stage of Orange Hall Theatre in concert on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 3 p.m. During the "Clarinet and Piano Recital," he will be accompanied by pianist Marilyn Lehman. The program is varied with selections by Bernstein, Von Weber, DeBussy, and Poulenc.

In addition, Mendelssohn’s Concert Piece, no. 2 in D minor, op.114 for two clarinets and piano is a beautiful composition that broadens the dynamics of the clarinet. Naomi Drucker will play the second clarinet.

Renowned for his spectacular playing of his instrument as well as his long career, having started his career with the New York Philharmonic when he was only 17 years old, Stanley Drucker played under nine New York Philharmonic music directors, among them Bruno Walter, Dmitri Mitropoulous, Leonard Bernstein, Pierre Boulez, and Zubin Mehta. In 2009, he celebrated 60 years with the orchestra, 48 of which he was principal and during which he performed in 60 countries on tour.

By 2011, it was estimated that he had performed in 10,200 concerts. "Musical America" named him the 1998 Instrumentalist of the Year.

Lehman is an active soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician. Along with Naomi Drucker, she directs and plays in the American Chamber Ensemble. She is an adjunct associate professor of music at Hofstra University. She holds a bachelor of science degree from Hofstra University and a masters of music degree from Manhattan School of Music.

Naomi Drucker has played in many regional orchestras and traveled and played with her husband, Stanley, in several countries around the world. She was the recipient of the George M. Estabrook Distinguished Alumni Award in career achievement awarded by Hofstra University where she is an adjunct instructor of clarinet.

The recital is the highlight of the fall 2013 Cultural Affairs events series. Tickets are available online at www.sunyorange.edu. Then, click on events. Also, tickets may be purchased at the box office starting at 2 p.m. the day of the performance. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and free for all students, alumni, faculty, and staff.

For more information, email cultural@sunyorange.edu, call 845-341-4891 or go to www.sunyorange.edu/culturalaffairs.

Orange Hall is located on the campus of Orange County Community College at the corner of Wawayanda and Grandview Avenues, Middletown.