(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra welcomes internationally acclaimed Austrian pianist, composer and jazz musician pianist Roland Batik for the opening concert of the Symphony’s 100th season on Sunday, October 12 at 7:00pm. Under the baton of Maestro Charles Prince, Batik will be featured in the American premiere of his own composition Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 – Meditation upon Peace. The musical language of the pianist and composer transcends traditional boundaries combining classical elements with jazz. The concert takes place at the Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church in Plainfield.
Concertgoers have the added benefit of a pre-concert presentation by Prince and Batik discussing the piece. The talk begins at 6:15 and concludes at 6:45. There is no additional charge for the presentation, which will be held in the concert venue.
“We are thrilled to open our centennial season with the American premiere of this important work performed by the composer,” said Rebecca Perkins, president of the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra. “After the first presentation of this work in 1993, Batik has become a highly sought-after composer for chamber music ensembles and symphony orchestras. We are fortunate that Maestro Prince arranged for his performance with PSO.”
In a nod to PSO’s centennial, the concert will open with the Menuet from the String Quartet, Op. 50 by Dutch-born composer Christiaan Pieter Willem Kriens, who was the first conductor of the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra (1919-1928). The program will culminate with Bela Bartok’s last completed and best-known work, Concerto for Orchestra (1943). The work combines elements of Western music and eastern European folk music, especially that of Hungary.
Continuing another long-held PSO tradition, the centennial season will feature concert after parties offering a full buffet supper in historic Plainfield private residences. The Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church is located at 716 Watchung Avenue in Plainfield, New Jersey. Following the concert, an after party will be held at 1434 Chetwynd Avenue. Admission is $50 and tickets can be purchased at www.plainfieldsymphony.org or paid at the door with a reservation.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra is New Jersey’s oldest community symphony and the third oldest continuously operating community symphony in the United States. The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra represents the highest standard in musical excellence in programs designed to educate and uplift local audiences. Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs. Additional funding has been received from a 2018 HEART (History, Education, Arts Reaching Thousands) Grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
