Suffolk County’s Long Island Symphonic Choral Association (LISCA) was founded by Gregg Smith in 1968 when he was at Stony Brook University. Despite moving to the New York City area, Mr. Smith maintained his 40-plus year devotion to LISCA, traveling to Suffolk County on Tuesday evenings to rehearse the group. Under his guidance, LISCA developed into a seasoned adult chorus noted for its fine intonation and blend, and for imaginative programming that is Mr. Smith’s hallmark. The group’s repertory ranges from the Renaissance masters to the avant garde, and includes premieres of many works of contemporary composers. LISCA has performed in New York City concert halls, and the chorus has toured and performed in Finland, Eastern Europe, Spain, France, England, Iceland, Ireland, Argentina, Italy, and the Baltic States.
Our Conductor
Richard Foley is a retired music teacher and is currently music director at St. James RC Church in Setauket. Rich is also a member of LISCA's board.
Our Members
We have a diverse membership of approximately seventy adults, which is open to anyone who qualifies musically. We work hard and seriously on the music, but we also enjoy our rehearsals and one another.
Auditions
Relax! We want you - or we wouldn’t be holding auditions. You will be asked to sight-read a passage from standard choral literature and repeat some tone patterns to determine your sight-reading ability, the quality and range of your voice, and your ability to follow the conductor. The auditioners are sympathetic and understand you may be nervous. Don’t worry if you make mistakes. If you do join us, and sit out a season or more, you'll have a modified audition on your return.
Rehearsals
LISCA rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 at Three Village Church, in Setauket. Very occasionally we have extra Saturday rehearsals, or extended rehearsals to 10 pm if there is a need. Consistent attendance is very important. Any member who has missed more than three rehearsals during a season, in preparation for a concert, will need to speak to the Music Director. Our rehearsals are devoted to both learning and interpretation. All works are sung in the original languages; you will be coached in the languages at rehearsal. We occasionally have optional sectional rehearsals for note-learning, during which members may specify the passages for which they need help.
Music Dues Concert Attire The LISCA Board Member Responsibilities
Each singer purchasis or her own music, which is available at rehearsal.
Dues
Currently $100 per year, payable by October 1. No qualified person will be refused membership because of inability to pay dues. A brief, confidential conversation with LISCA’s president will take care of any special needs.
Concert Attire
Women: Ankle-length black skirt and long-sleeved black top with jewel neckline, or black choral gown. Black shoes and stockings, pearls or pearl-like necklace.
Men: Tuxedo, white shirt, black shoes, bow tie, and cummerbund. Occasionally we will wear more casual all-black attire.
All: Black music folder.
The LISCA Board
Joseph Dyro (president,) Martina Matkovic (vice-president,) Norma Watson (treasurer,) Mona Shupp (recording secretary,) Joann Elefterion (corresponding secretary.) Members-at-large: Richard Foley, Maurice Kemp, Marjorie Lundgren, Laura Matturro, Sidonie Morrison, Bunny Russell, Allen Silver, and David Winchell
Member Responsibilities
Since LISCA is a not-for-profit organization, we rely on members for help with the following activities:
-Concert ticket sales (much of LISCA’s revenue comes from this effort.)
