From LONG ISLAND – by Ann Parry (annparry.com)
November 20, 2010
Last Saturday, world-famous clarinetist Stanley Drucker gave a concert presented by the Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Association* at Calhoun High School. Naomi Drucker, his wife and fellow clarinetist; and Marilyn Sherman Lehman, pianist, also performed, to the added delight of the audience.
Merrick, NY, USA. Nov. 13, 2010. Clarinetist STANLEY DRUCKER, formerly of New York Philharmonic performing during concert presented by Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Association. (© 2010 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)
While dropping off concert flyers at the Drucker home the week before the concert, I told Mrs. Drucker I’d like to take photos during concert night. She looked up, smiling. “Since you’re a photographer,” she said, “you might enjoy our photos.”
What an understatement! And suddenly I was on a fun and moving tour of photos, posters, and other artwork throughout their home, including guest bathroom – all which helped bring to life the professional musical careers of the Drucker family: dad Stanley and mom Naomi, classical musicians; son LEON, double bassist Lee Rocker for The Stray Cats; and daughter ROSANNE DRUCKER, alternative country singer.
Merrick, NY, USA. Clarinetist STANLEY DRUCKER, and clarinetist NAOMI DRUCKER his wife, and pianist MARILYN SHERMAN LEHMAN performing at MBCCA Concert. (© 2010 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)
Naomi Drucker is an enchanting wood sprite come to life, which made me look forward to the concert not only for the music, but for the chance to photograph such warm, charismatic Long Islanders.
Merrick, NY, USA. November 13, 2010. Pianist MARILYN SHERMAN LEHMAN performing during Stanley Drucker concert presented by Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Assoc. (© 2010 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)
It can be quite challenging to capture concert photos of instrumentalists, where about 95% of the photo is dark costumes, grand piano, and stage curtains and the rest is face, hands, and a tuxedo shirt that all seem to be about 9-light-stops away. I used my Nikon D200 with Nikkor 18-200mm zoom lens, and did my best – including 1600 ISO and exposure compensation – but it’s motivated me to seriously consider getting the Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, so I can use my Nikon D700 for similarly extreme lighting situations in future.
Merrick, NY, USA. November 13, 2010. Clarinetist Stanley Drucker with his wife clarinetist Naomi Drucker, during curtain call after performing in concert presented by Merrick-Bellmore Community Concert Assoc. (© 2010 Ann Parry/Ann-Parry.com)
Though Mr. Drucker retired last year after a stellar 60 year career with the New York Philharmonic, he remains an active international performer.
When I think about how our Merrick Bellmore Community Concert Association* was formed a few years after Mr. Drucker joined the NY Philharmonic, I’m in awe of his legendary career.
FYI from Long Island: *MBCCA was founded in 1953 by Betty Mordoff Hendrix, my mother Mary Ann Parry, Leon Summit, and Bertha Winter.
Stanley Drucker Concert: my PHOTO GALLERY