(TRENTON, NJ) -- Back by popular demand after two years of waiting: Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, (CPNJ) known for its “lavish sound” and “excellent programs” (U.S. 1) brings holiday classics to your very own backyard! No need to hike to NYC or take the train to Philly, you can hear your season favorites on Sunday, December 5 at 4:00pm at the historic Patriot’s Theatre in the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ.

Guest soprano and former Ms. Rhode Island, Gianine Campbell, hosts your festive afternoon and masterful conductor Daniel Spalding leads the full 70-member orchestra on a journey through holiday splendor. Enjoy your seasonal favorites like “Carol of The Bells”, “O Holy Night (Cantique de Noel),” “My Grown-Up Christmas Wish,” and “March of The Toys” with the whole family. Early arrivals will receive holiday serenades from renowned virtuosic organist, Brett Miller, beginning at 3:30pm.

The second of six concerts this season, “Classical Christmas” is part of the orchestra’s robust 2021-2022 annual program, aimed at bringing live classical music back to the center of Trenton. Future concerts include the ever-popular New Year’s Eve concert (featuring Leroy Anderson’s brilliantly entertaining “The Typewriter”), Porgy and Bess, Carnival of the Animals (featuring favorite orchestral personifications), and an ode to the Genius of John Williams.

“We are beginning a new era for Trenton as we launch our 9th season,” says Music Director, Daniel Spalding. “I invite everyone to join me and our musicians, dedicated board members, and volunteers in a journey of hope to restore and reinvigorate the musical life in Trenton. We will do it with passion for the traditions we hold dear but also mindful of our changing times.”

Speaking of changing times, Gloria Teti, President, notes the orchestra’s updated COVID-19 policy for the season: “All orchestra members and production staff are fully vaccinated in order to participate in CPNJ concerts and events. For our audiences, all adults and children over 12 years of age must show proof of vaccination and be masked at all times. Children under the age of 12 may enter the theatre without proof of vaccination but must also be masked for the duration of their visit. We are thrilled to offer an afternoon family concert and look forward to seeing everyone there.” 

Tickets are on sale now with special discounts for students, groups, and subscribers at capitalphilharmonic.org or by calling 609-656-3224. CPNJ programs are made possible, in part, by the Mercer County Division of Culture and Heritage with support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts; a Partner Agency of the National Endowment of the Arts.

“The CPNJ is about: presenting world-class music using our very own local wealth of resources, engaging our community, and contributing to Trenton’s own renaissance,” remarks Spalding. This family afternoon of festive orchestral treasures in a beautiful venue is exactly what the spirit of Trenton needs during the holiday season. 

The Capital Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey was founded in the fall of 2013 in a quest to make Trenton a proud, culturally integrated, musical beacon of renewal. We believe that Trenton deserves investments in cultural leadership for our kids and seniors, our business community, our educators, and our civic entrepreneurs. Even in this short time, these groups have embraced our vision and awarded us sponsorships, partnerships, publicity, board service, and concert attendance. Our mission “to change lives and enhance quality of life by providing Trenton and its surrounding communities with a locally-based high quality professional symphony orchestra” continues to unfold successfully.