718-667-0593
Celeste Lederer alto recorder
“Sonata for Two Recorders” George Vanbrughe
The Saint Cecilia
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 1:00 pm
New Dorp Moravian Church
2205 Richmond Rd.
Staten Island, NY 10306
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2021 – 2022 Season The Saint Cecilia
SPOTLIGHT
on the Contributions of Staten Island Women of Music
Celeste Lederer, Composer/Pianist/Educator
“Where Composers Get Their Ideas”
Composer Celeste Lederer’s insightful presentation illustrates–through analysis and performances of her own works and others–the multiplicity of elements and aspects considered by composers in their creative process.
“Whether a composition is for practical or cathartic reasons–or both: every memory, every experience that a composer has had in life (whether conscious or sub conscious) will form a unique perspective of that particular composer through their works.” (Celeste Lederer)
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 1:00 pm
New Dorp Moravian Church 2205 Richmond Rd. Staten Island, NY. 10306 http://www.newdorpmoravian.org 718-351-0090
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“The Lord is My Light and Salvation” (Psalm 27)
“I Love the Lord for He has Heard My Voice” (Psalm 116)
“54th Annual Women’s Communion Service and Luncheon”
Two psalm settings, words and music by Celeste Lederer, sung by Marilyn Damon with Ms. Lederer accompanying on the piano.
Saturday, April 13, 2019 11:00 am
Immanuel Union Church Staten Island, NY 10314
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Psalm 69 “Save Me!”: A Lament
The 2016 Staten Island Council of Churches Christian Music Concert
Composer/pianist Celeste Lederer’s setting of Psalm 69 with original words and music, will be performed by the composer and soprano Marilyn Damon in a concert to benefit the SICOC scholarship fund in memory of Rev. James Seawood.
Admission Free Free-will collection for the scholarship fund
Saturday, June 11, 2016 6:00 pm
Zion Lutheran Church 505 Watchogue Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314 www.zionlutheransiny.org 718-981-3151
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“O Sanctissima”
premiere performance
A newly arranged setting of “O Sanctissima” by composer Celeste Lederer will be debuted on Sunday, February 22, 2015 as a post-communion meditation at St. Margaret Mary Church during the 10 a.m. Mass. The choir will be conducted by the composer.
Sunday, February 22, 2015 10:00 am
St. Margaret Mary RC Church 560 Lincoln Avenue Staten Island, NY 10306
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“I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” Psalm 121
Celeste Lederer’s setting of Psalm 121 “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” will be performed during the Good Friday Liturgy Service at St. Mark’s Church.
“Good Friday Blues 2014” Friday, April 18, 2014 12 noon – 3 pm
St. Mark’s Church in-the-B0wery 131 East 10th Street New York, NY 10003 www.stmarksbowery.org 212 -674-6377 Jahneen Otis, Director of Music www.jahneen.com
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“The Many Moods of Ragtime”
by composer/pianist Celeste Lederer
Featuring works of three women composers in celebration of Women’s History Month.
Rags by Lederer, Zaimont, Aufterheide, Joplin, and others.
Sunday, March 9, 2014 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Admission Free
St. Mark’s Church in-the-B0wery 131 East 10th Street New York, NY 10003 www.stmarksbowery.org 212-674-6377
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“Ask and He Will Give” “Save Me!” (Psalm 69)
Under the direction of composer Celeste Lederer, Faith United Methodist Church choir sings “Ask and He Will Give” with words and music by Ms. Lederer.
“Save Me!” a setting of Psalm 69 with words and music by Celeste Lederer, will be sung by soloist Marilyn Damon with Ms. Lederer accompanying on the piano.
“Rejoice in Faith” — 116th Anniversary Celebration featuring choirs and liturgical dancers from various churches and community groups.
Sunday, October 20, 2013 — 3:00 p.m. Admission Free
Faith United Methodist Church 221 Heberton Ave. – MAP Staten Island, NY 10302 FUMC on Facebook.com 718-273-9666
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“Meet & Greet” Teacher Concert
Staten Island composer and piano instructor Celeste Lederer performing a concert with commentary.
Piano Lessons & Theory for Singers
Sat. September 21, 2013 2:00 – 2:40 pm Admission Free Meet the Artist Reception
St. Matthew’ s Lutheran Church
96 Alter Avenue, Dongan Hills – MAP
Staten Island, NY 10304
www.StMatthews-StatenIsland.com 718-351-0866
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“Praise the Lord!” Psalm 147
In celebration of Rev. Carmen Margarita Ortiz’s first anniversary year as pastor at Woodrow United Methodist Church, the choir will sing “Praise the Lord!”, a setting of Psalm 147 with words and music by Island composer Celeste Lederer, liturgical musician and pianist accompanying the service.
Woodrow UMC is the oldest church on Staten Island and the third oldest Methodist Church in the United States.
Sunday, July 7, 2013 — 10:30 a.m.
Woodrow United Methodist Church 1075 Woodrow Rd. Staten Island, NY 10312 http://www.woodrow-umc.weebly.com 718-984-0148
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“I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” Psalm 121
Celeste Lederer’s setting of Psalm 121 “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” will be performed during the Good Friday Liturgy Service at St. Mark’s Church.
“Good Friday Blues 2013” Friday, March 29, 2013 12 noon – 3 pm
St. Mark’s Church in-the-B0wery 131 East 10th Street New York, NY 10003 www.stmarksbowery.org 212-674-6377 Jahneen Otis, Director of Music www.jahneen.com
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On Stage with Staten Island Ballet’s “Signatures A Memorial Day Tribute”
Celeste Lederer, composer/pianist, performing her original composition “Memories: A Metaphorical Rag-time Waltz” for Ellen Tharp’s “The Memory Keeper”
Sat. May 26, 2012 at 8:00 pm Sun. May 27, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Tickets: $20 / FREE (children 12 and under) Ballet Box Office: 718-980-0500
The College of Staten Island/CUNY Center for the Arts 2800 Victory Blvd. – MAP Free Parking www.siballet.org
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“Classic Classical Music”
Sat. May 12, 2012 at 2:30 pm Sat. May 19, 2012 at 2:30 pm Admission Free
St. Matthew’ s Lutheran Church
96 Alter Avenue, Dongan Hills – MAP
Staten Island, NY 10304
www.StMatthews-StatenIsland.com
718-351-0866
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“Rags by the Dozen”
Saturday, March 3 and March 10, 2012 at 2:30 pm – Admission Free
St. Matthew’ s Lutheran Church
96 Alter Avenue, Dongan Hills – MAP
Staten Island, NY 10304
www.StMatthews-StatenIsland.com
718-351-0866
“Rag-time from A – Z”
Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 2:30 pm – Admission Free
St. Matthew’ s Lutheran Church
96 Alter Avenue, Dongan Hills – MAP
Staten Island, NY 10304
www.StMatthews-StatenIsland.com
718-351-0866
Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 2:30 pm – Admission Free
NY Public Library, Dongan Hills
1617 Richmond Road – MAP
Staten Island, NY 10304
www.NYPL.org
718-351-1444
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“CELEBRATING RAGTIME PAST AND PRESENT”
“Memories: A Metaphorical Rag-time Waltz” premiere performance
“Generic Rag”
The New York Public Library presents Celeste Lederer performing her program “Celebrating Ragtime Past and Present” as part of their yearlong program of events, and by special invitation from the Port Richmond and Richmondtown branches.
Ms. Lederer will be performing her composition “Memories: A Metaphorical Rag-time Waltz” written in commemoration of the 350th Anniversary Celebration of Staten Island. Also included on the program of ragtime music is her “Generic Rag”, along with works by Joplin, Lamb, Hampton, Aufderheide, Gershwin, Hindemith, Zaimont and others.
Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 2:30 pm – Admission Free
NY Public Library, Port Richmond
75 Bennett Street – MAP
Staten Island, NY 10302
www.NYPL.org
718-442-0158
Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 2:30 pm – Admission Free
NY Public Library, Richmondtown
200 Clarke Avenue – MAP
Staten Island, NY 10306
www.NYPL.org
718-668-0413
Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 2:30 pm – Admission Free
NY Public Library, Richmondtown
200 Clarke Avenue – MAP
Staten Island, NY 10306
www.NYPL.org
718-668-0413
Saturday, June 11, 2011 at 2:30 pm – Admission Free
St. Matthew’ s Lutheran Church
96 Alter Avenue, Dongan Hills – MAP
Staten Island, NY 10304
www.StMatthews-StatenIsland.com
718-351-0866
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SOUTH STREET SEAPORT
“REMEMBERING FULTON FISH MARKET” 100th Anniversary Celebration
“Good Ol’ Ragtime” concert with commentary
“Generic Rag” “Auld Lang Syne Rag”
In a wide ranging program of ragtime music with commentary, Celeste Lederer performs her “Generic Rag” and “Auld Lang Syne” rags, as well as rags by Joplin, Debussy, Hampton, Aufderheide, Lamb and others, at an art exhibition by noted artist Naima Rauam.
South Street Seaport Museum’s family-oriented activities commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Fulton Fish Market’s landmark Tin Building and the Seaport’s fleet ships Tug Pegasus and Lightship Ambrose.
Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Seaport Arts Space 207A Front Street (at Beekman St.) New York, NY
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“Celestial Concert”
Psalms in Reading and Song A full concert of works by Celeste Lederer
by invitation of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
“I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” Psalm 121 premiere performance
Celeste Lederer Composer/Piano Anthony Turner Baritone Marilyn Damon Soprano Elizabeth Stile Soprano Dan Barrett Violoncello Ben Jacobs Reader St. Mark’s Church Choir
“Ask, and He Will Give” Marilyn Damon, Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“The Lord is My Light and Salvation” (Psalm 27) Marilyn Damon, Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“Make a Joyful Noise” (Psalm 100) St. Mark’s Church Choir
“Hear My Cry, O God” (Psalm 61) St. Mark’s Church Choir
“Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 147) St. Mark’s Church Choir, Celeste Lederer
“I Love the Lord For He Has Heard My Voice” (Ps. 116) Marilyn Damon, Celeste Lederer
“The Lord Hears Me in My Time of Trouble” (Psalm 20) Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” (Psalm 121) Elizabeth Stile
Celtic Suite (3 movements) “Deep Peace” Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer “Vocalise” Anthony Turner, Dan Barrett “May Those That Love Us” Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“Save Me” (Psalm 69) Marilyn Damon, Celeste Lederer
“The Lord’s Prayer” Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“The Lord Is My Shepherd” (Psalm 23) Marilyn Damon, Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer Dan Barrett, St. Mark’s Church Choir
Sunday, November 26, 2006 2:00 pm
St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery 131 East 10th Street (at Second Avenue) New York, NY
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“Celestial Concert”
Psalms in Reading and Song A full concert of works by Celeste Lederer
Brighton Heights Reformed Church
“Save Me” Psalm 69 premiere performance
Celeste Lederer Composer/Piano Anthony Turner Baritone Marilyn Damon Soprano Vincent Moncado Violoncello Ben Jacobs Reader
“Ask, and He Will Give” Marilyn Damon, Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“The Lord is My Light and Salvation” (Psalm 27) Marilyn Damon, Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“The Lord Hears Me in My Time of Trouble” (Psalm 20) Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“I Love the Lord For He Has Heard My Voice” (Ps 116) Marilyn Damon, Celeste Lederer
Celtic Suite (3 movements) “Deep Peace” Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer “Vocalise” Anthony Turner, Vincent Moncada “May Those That Love Us” Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 147) Marilyn Damon, Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“Save Me” (Psalm 69) Marilyn Damon, Celeste Lederer
“The Lord’s Prayer” Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
“The Lord Is My Shepherd” (Psalm 23) Marilyn Damon, Anthony Turner, Celeste Lederer
Saturday, September 30, 2006 2:30 pm
Brighton Heights Reformed Church 320 St. Marks Place Staten Island, NY
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“The Lord Hears Me in My Time of Trouble” Psalm 20
premiere performance
The debut of Celeste Lederer’s setting of Ps. 20 “The Lord Hears Me in My Time of Trouble”, with original words and music by the composer, will be performed by Anthony Turner at Faith United Methodist Church during the 11 a.m. worship service.
The piano accompanist for the composition will be the composer.
Sunday, February 20, 2005 at 11:00 am
Faith United Methodist Church 221 Heberton Avenue Staten Island, NY 10302
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“Ask, and He Will Give” premiere performance
“I Love the Lord for He has Heard My Voice” Psalm 116
The debut of composer Celeste Lederer’s “Ask, and He Will Give”, with original words and music by the composer, will be performed by Anthony Turner at Faith United Methodist Church during the 11 a.m. worship service.
Celeste Lederer’s original setting of Ps. 116 “I Love the Lord for He has Heard My Voice”, with words and music by the composer, will also be performed by the soloist.
The accompanist for both compositions will be the composer.
Sunday, January 9, 2005 at 11:00 am
Faith United Methodist Church 221 Heberton Avenue Staten Island, NY 10302 718-273-9666
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“The Lord’s Prayer”
“I Love the Lord for He has Heard My Voice” Psalm 116
Celeste Lederer’s original settings of “The Lord’s Prayer” and “I Love the Lord for He has Heard My Voice” Ps. 116, with original words and music by the composer, will be performed during the 3 p.m. worship service of Faith United Methodist Church’s “Celebrating Faith’s 38th Anniversary”, and in dedication of the new grand piano in memory of Mrs. Eunice Potenza.
Both settings will be sung by Anthony Turner, accompanied on the piano by the composer.
Sunday, October 17, 2004 at 3:00 pm
Faith United Methodist Church 221 Heberton Avenue Staten Island, NY 10302
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“Celtic Suite”
premiere performance
Celeste Lederer’s three movement “Celtic Suite” will be debuted at the Serenade Concert Series at Christ Episcopal Church New Brighton.
“Deep Peace” (based on an Irish blessing) voice, piano “Vocalise” baritone, cello “May Those that Love Us” (based on an Irish saying) voice, piano
Performers: Anthony Turner, baritone Jean Anderson Collier, piano Madeleine Casparie, cello
Sunday, June 6, 2004 at 3:00 pm
Christ Episcopal Church 76 Franklin Avenue Staten Island, NY 10301 718-727-6100
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“The Death and Life of Emmett Till”
“Save Me!” Psalm 69
“Hear My Cry, O God!” Psalm 61
Staten Island OutLOUD and the NAACP will present “The Death and Life of Emmett Till” on Saturday, March 24, 2004 at the Brighton Heights Reformed Church. The program will include an original narrative, other sources and will feature music by Island composer Celeste Lederer.
Celeste Lederer’s “Save Me!” Ps. 69 will be performed by soloist Marilyn Damon, with the composer as accompanist. “Hear My Cry, O God!” Ps. 61 will be sung as an a cappella responsorial psalm with audience participation and under the direction of the composer.
Saturday, March 24, 2004 8:00 pm
Brighton Heights Reformed Church 320 Saint Marks Place Staten Island, NY 10301
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“The Lord is My Light and My Salvation” Psalm 27
premiere performance
Celeste Lederer’s original setting for Psalm 27 “The Lord is My Light and My Salvation”, with words and music by the composer, will be debuted by the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church choir under the direction of the composer during the 11 a.m. worship service.
Also to be performed will be the composer’s original settings of Psalm 116 “I Love the Lord for He Has Heard My Voice” and Psalm 23 “The Lord is My Shepherd”, both settings with words and music by the composer.
Sunday, June 15, 2003 at 10:00 am
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church 96 Alter Avenue Staten Island, NY 10304
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“Praise the Lord!” Psalm 147
Celeste Lederer’s original setting of Ps. 147 “Praise the Lord!”, with original words and music by the composer, will be performed by the Sanctuary Choir of Our Lady Queen of Peace at the Thanksgiving Eve Mass at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 27, 2002 at 7:30 p.m.
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 90 Third St., New Dorp Staten Island, NY 10306
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“The Lord is My Shepherd” Psalm 23
“Praise the Lord!” Psalm 147
Celeste Lederer’s original settings for Ps. 23 “The Lord is My Shepherd” and Ps. 147 “Praise the Lord!”, both with original words and music by the composer, will be performed by the Sanctuary Choir of Our Lady Queen of Peace during the Sunday Mass at noon.
Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 12:00 noon
Our Lady Queen of Peace 90 Third St., New Dorp Staten Island, NY 10306
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“The Lord is My Shepherd” Psalm 23
“Praise the Lord!” Psalm 147
Celeste Lederer’s original settings for Ps. 23 “The Lord is My Shepherd” and Ps. 147 “Praise the Lord!”, both with original words and music by the composer, will be performed by Our Lady Queen of Peace Choristers during the 10:00 a.m. Sunday Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, New Dorp Beach.
Sunday, November 24, 2002 at 10:00 am
Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel 125 Cedar Grove Avenue Staten Island, NY 10306
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“Praise the Lord!” Psalm 147
premiere performance
Celeste Lederer’s setting of Ps. 147 “Praise the Lord!”, with words and music by the composer, will be debuted by the Brighton Heights Reformed Church choir under the direction of the composer during the 10:45 a.m. worship service.
Sunday, June 30, 2002 at 10:45 am
Brighton Heights Reformed Church 320 Saint Marks Place Staten Island, NY 10301 718-448-0165
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“The Lord is My Shepherd” Psalm 23
Memorial Mass & Rosary for the World Trade Center Victims
Celeste Lederer’s setting for Ps. 23 “The Lord is My Shepherd”, with original words and music by the composer, will be performed by Our Lady Queen of Peace Church choir during the evening Memorial Mass & Rosary for the World Trade Center Victims.
The choir will perform the setting of Ps. 23 “The Lord is My Shepherd” as a post-communion meditation hymn.
Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 7:00 pm
Our Lady Queen of Peace Church 90 Third St., New Dorp Staten Island, NY 10306
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“Straight from the Arts” World Trade Center Benefit Concert
“Deep Peace” soprano, piano “The Lord is My Shepherd” Ecumenical Chorus Adagio cantabile Op 13 Beethoven Celeste Lederer
“Straight from the Arts”: A collective response by the Staten Island arts community to the events of September 11, 2001, and to benefit the Staten Island children and families of the World Trade Center tragedy through a series of performances and events.
Celeste Lederer, composer/pianist, presents her original composition “Deep Peace” (an Irish Blessing) with the composer as accompanist.
The Ecumenical Chorus, formed by the composer, performs Celeste Lederer’s original setting of Ps. 23 “The Lord is My Shepherd”.
Celeste Lederer performs the Adagio cantabile movement of Beethoven’s Op 13 piano sonata.
Saturday, November 24, 2001 3:00 pm
The College of Staten Island/CUNY Center for the Arts 2800 Victory Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10314
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“I Love the Lord for He has Heard My Voice” Psalm 116
premiere performance
Celeste Lederer’s setting of Ps. 116 “I Love the Lord for He has Heard My Voice”, with original words and music by the composer, will be debuted by the St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church choir under the direction of the composer during the 11 a.m. worship service.
Sunday, November 11, 2001 at 11:00 am
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church 96 Alter Avenue, Dongan Hills Staten Island, NY 10304 718-351-0866
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“The Lord’s Prayer”
premiere performance
A newly composed setting of “The Lord’s Prayer” by Celeste Lederer will be debuted at Brighton Heights Reformed Church in St. George during the 10:45 a.m. worship service.
The prayer will be sung by tenor Nick Solimondo, accompanied by Ms. Lederer on the piano.
Sunday, September 22, 2001 at 10:45 am
Brighton Heights Reformed Church 320 St. Marks Place Staten Island, NY 10301
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“Amazing Grace” “Softly and Tenderly” “Precious Lord”
a cappella medley arrangement
premiere performance
Celeste Lederer’s 3 hymn medley will be debuted by the Men’s Choir of Brighton Heights Reformed Church and is comprised of “Amazing Grace”, “Softly and Tenderly” and “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”.
The composer’s original medley arrangement will be performed by the Men’s Choir during the 10:45 a.m. worship service.
Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 10:45 am
Brighton Heights Reformed Church 320 Saint Marks Place Staten Island, NY 10301
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“Creating Sound for Silent Film” publication
Composer Celeste Lederer describes her process of creating a notated/improvised piano score for the silent film “Pandora’s Box” in her article “Creating Sound for Silent Film” published in StatenIslandArts March/April 2001 Vol. 12 No. 2.
The 2 hour piano score was commissioned by The Staten Island Film Society to accompany the silent film classic “Pandora’s Box”, and was debuted at the March 14, 2001 film performance held at the Veterans Memorial Hall at Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island.
http://www.StatenIslandArts.org
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“PANDORA’S BOX”
original silent film score
Celeste Lederer, composer/pianist, debuts her original 2 hour piano score commissioned by The Staten Island Film Society to accompany the silent film classic “Pandora’s Box”.
March 14, 2001 7:30 pm
Snug Harbor Cultural Center Veterans Memorial Hall 1000 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10301
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“Hear My Cry, O God!” Psalm 61
“The Lord is My Shepherd” Psalm 23
premiere performances
Celeste Lederer’s settings for Psalm 61 “Hear My Cry, O God!” and Psalm 23 “The Lord is My Shepherd”, both with original words and music by the composer, will be debuted by the Faith United Methodist Church choir under the direction of the composer during the 11 a.m. worship service.
Sunday, June 25, 2000 at 11:00 am
Faith United Methodist Church 221 Heberton Avenue Staten Island, NY 10302
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“Deep Peace” premiere performance
The St. Cecilia Annual Gala Concert “Evening of Music”
Celeste Lederer’s “Deep Peace”, An Irish Blessing, for soprano and piano will be performed during The St. Cecilia Annual Gala Concert “Evening of Music” at Veterans’ Memorial Hall, Snug Harbor.
“Deep Peace” is dedicated to Vanig “Turk Van Lake” Hovsepian.
Wednesday, May 10, 2000 at 7:30 pm
Veterans’ Memorial Hall at Snug Harbor Cultural Center 1000 Richmond Terrace Staten Island, NY 10304
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Celeste Lederer 
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