New York’s Massapequa Philharmonic Renews Music Director Contract

The orchestra has renewed David Bernard’s contract through to 2027

David Bernard was first appointed as Massapequa Philharmonic’s Music Director in 2016. His contract has now been extended for three years through to 2027.

Under Bernard’s leadership, the orchestra has developed strong artistic partnerships with the Eglevsky Ballet, Nassau County Museum of Art, the Massapequa Schools, and the Long Island Choral Society. He has helped the ensemble build its audiences and donor base, plus its reputation in bringing cultural leadership to Long Island.

Bernard was born and raised in Great Neck and honed his skills in New York. He is an alumnus of The Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, Stony Brook University, Tanglewood, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Currently, he is the founder and director of InsideOut Concerts, Inc. — an innovator in the design, development, and production of immersive classical music events, plus is the inventor of US Patent No. 11,673,070 entitled Methods and Systems for Arranging Seats for Audience Members and Musicians. Bernard’s work in this area has resulted in increased ticket sales and also the organic new audience acquisition of all ages. 

“I am excited to continue on this journey with the Massapequa Philharmonic as its Music Director,” Bernard said, according to the Anton Media Group. “It is truly inspiring to see both the orchestra and the Long Island residents thrive through our performances and collaborations. When successful, the performing arts is a symbiosis of artists, communities, and audiences, and it has been a pleasure to work with the Massapequa Philharmonic musicians, board, and our partners to deliver on this ideal.”

“The Massapequa Philharmonic Orchestra is thrilled to continue working with David Bernard as our music director,” said Jennifer Trested, Massapequa Philharmonic’s president. “Under his gifted leadership, the Massapequa Philharmonic has become a premier orchestra on Long Island. David Bernard is a skillful musician and conductor, with a gift for fostering musical communities within the orchestra, throughout Massapequa, and across Long Island. We look forward to many years of insightful and artistic musical leadership and collaboration.”

“Maestro Bernard has a way of convincing you everything is possible! Our collaborations have been rewarding artistically, as well as for our dancers and audiences,” added Maurice Brandon Curry, the executive artistic director of Eglevsky Ballet. “Whether he is leading our annual production of The Nutcracker, providing chamber music for our special events or having us as guests for his innovative InsideOut concerts, you can always count on a unique audience experience.”

“David Bernard has made a huge impact on culture on Long Island through his artistic vision and commitment to Long Island audiences,” commented Tom Dunn, executive director of the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. “He has been an excellent partner as we prepare for the Massapequa Philharmonic joining us as our Resident Orchestra.”

The Massapequa Philharmonic will celebrate its 40th anniversary season this Fall, beginning with concerts as Resident Orchestra of the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. Their program will include Rhapsody at 100: A Gershwin Celebration in July 2024, an InsideOut event, plus a multimedia presentation, “Out of this World” featuring Holst’s The Planets alongside Dr. Jackie Faherty, senior scientist and astrophysicist of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History.