Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 09/22/2023
(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- The four most iconic notes in classical music – Beethoven’s Symphony No.5 – kick off New Jersey Festival Orchestra’s exciting new program for the 2023-2024 season. The concert, which takes place Friday, October 6th at St Helen’s Church in Westfield, juxtaposes Beethoven's relentless, triumphant and most famous orchestral work with a balm to soothe the spirits, Vaughan Williams' contemplative 5th Symphony.
The event, a “yin-yang” approach, presenting opposites with connecting forces, is also a celebration -- NJFO’s 250th concert performance.
Beethoven’s Fifth, arguably is the most famous piece of classical music ever written, reflects triumph-through-struggle. It was adopted by Churchill to signify victory in Europe in 1944. Beethoven stated that the opening motif encapsulates the spirit of the symphony, as it resembles “fate knocking at the door.” The work continues to cast its spell over audiences across the world and has become a musical testament to the power of the human spirit. Showtime is 7:00pm.
In stark contrast, Vaughan Williams' 5th Symphony - written in the darkest moments of World War Two – is a serene work. The gentle, pastoral harmonies stem from the altruistic work that the composer carried out during this crisis, reflecting his belief in music’s ability to uplift society in times of trouble.
David Wroe conducts this captivating program and celebration of NJFO’s 250th concert performance.
Two Mighty Fifths, made possible in part through the generous support from the NJ State Council on the Arts, takes place on Friday, October 6th at an exciting new acoustically superior venue - the sanctuary of St Helen’s church in Westfield.
TICKET INFORMATION: Two Mighty Fifths takes place on Friday, October 6, 2023 at St Helen’s Church (1600 Rahway Avenue) in Westfield, New Jersey . Please note new day and new venue. Tickets to all concerts, starting at $40 (students $25), are on sale now. For further information call (908) 232 9400 or go to www.njfestivalorchestra.org
PROGRAM
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Symphony No. 5 in D major
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 5 in C minor
The New Jersey Festival Orchestra is a premier, fully professional, symphony orchestra. Founded in Westfield in 1983, NJ Festival Orchestra has grown to become one of New Jersey’s largest professional orchestras, having a presence throughout many cultural communities of New Jersey, and appearing as far afield as Carnegie Hall on a regular basis. The name New Jersey Festival Orchestra reflects an ongoing celebration of the diversity of music and the creation of experiences that stretch the boundaries of traditional classical performances.
NJFO programs include classics from the orchestral repertory as well as offerings that showcase the fusion of fine arts and popular culture. This unique and dynamic approach to programming further brings classical music to life and creates an ongoing 'festival' of compelling presentations worthy of their name.
In addition to an adventurous subscription season, popular concerts near and far, and a rousing New Year’s Eve celebration, the New Jersey Festival Orchestra sponsors educational and music therapy programs throughout the state of New Jersey.
EVENT PREVIEWS
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51st Annual New Jersey Folk Festival to Take Place August 29th
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The Strand presents Matt Stone as Elvis on August 29th
(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- Most 22-year-olds are chasing the next trend, scrolling through TikTok, and binging Love Island. Matt Stone has spent the last decade looking in the opposite direction.
McCarter Theatre Center presents Mei Semones on September 4th
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center presents Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Mei Semones in the Berlind Theatre on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 7:30pm. Drawing on her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she blends inventive harmonies, intricate rhythms, and bilingual lyricism into a sound that is both intimate and exploratory.
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