The cornerstone of the Performing Arts Center is the annual Professional Performing Arts Series. The Series was created to bring a high level of accessible world-class entertainment to the community at large. Throughout its over 50-year history, QPAC has successfully produced over 1,200 performances and served over 1 million individuals in its intimate 790-seat theater. QPAC is strongly committed to expanding public access to the arts for everyone. The center's affordable prices allow Queens' working families, younger generations and seniors the opportunity to enjoy first-rate performances locally. The performances are of the highest quality and QPAC strives to offer multi-cultural entertainment that mirrors the diversity of the borough. This diversity is reflected in a wide range of performances. The Center is also a learning laboratory that provides many cultural and artistic opportunities to the College's students in an effort to integrate the arts into the learning process.

Mark Russell Amsterdam is no stranger to the arts scene. Studying piano at a very young age under the tutelage of S.C. Westrate of Chicago, Mark later founded the critically acclaimed Great Neck Philharmonic where he conducted the greatest film soundtrack scores, premiered new music and performed treasured classical works to large audiences.

Notably, Mark co-conducted the Queensborough Chorus with music and artistic director R. John Specht, and the Great Neck Philharmonic, in a collaborative “Home in Home” holiday concert that received accolades far and wide.

Mark held the post of Managing and Executive Director of The Queensborough Orchestra for three decades of successful seasons where he raised funds for the orchestra’s operating initiatives.

Mark was Executive Director of the New York Virtuosi Chamber Symphony in residence at Lincoln Center.

Mark has worked with Aaron Copland, George Shearing, Elaine Malbin, Carol Wincenc, Abbey Simon and JoAnne Falletta.

In his new role as Interim Executive Director of QPAC, Mark will draw upon a multi-disciplinary background of technical theatrical expertise, artistic achievement in classical music and a notable track record in fund development to advance the directives and initiatives at QPAC.

When he is not in the office, Mark enjoys walking the beautiful trails of Long Island parks, playing baseball and tennis.