(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- New Jersey Festival Orchestra, under the baton of maestro David Wroe, presents “An American AND Paris”, a sizzling summer celebration under the stars as Gershwin’s American in Paris meets masterworks by Debussy, Saint Saens, Vaughn Williams and more in a program of international favorites. Set in the splendor of the gardens of one of Westfield’s finest residences, this is an outdoor festivity for the entire family. The concert takes place on Saturday, July 30th at 8:00pm.
“There is something for everyone in this concert,” commented Maestro Wroe. “Set under the stars in such a gorgeous alfresco location, this is sure to be one of the most uplifting concert experiences one can ever hope to have - we hope that you will all come, bring your lawn chairs, kickback and relax, and be part of our unique summer evening celebration.”
The concert presents a series of international masterworks and musical imagery.
Bring your own lawn chairs and refreshments and enjoy an unforgettable evening of festive live entertainment in this splendid rear garden setting of NJFO Board President Keith S. Hertell at 241 E. Dudley Avenue in Westfield. Free on street parking and full accessibility. The concert on July 30 begins at 8:00pm, but patrons are welcome to arrive as early as 6PM to set up and enjoy the sunset. An optional free, pre-concert lecture by concert pianist Yifei Xu will take place at 6:30pm.
VIP seating is available for those who wish to take advantage of a limited access to a reserved section of NJFO chair seating provided close to the stage.
Audiences are invited to:
* Take in the symphonic sounds of Paris with George Gershwin’s An American in Paris as it musically depicts an American’s stroll through the French capital
* Enjoy Saint-Saëns’s beloved musical menagerie, The Carnival of the Animals, a whimsical and humorous trip to the zoo that is sure to delight the entire family
* Experience more of the French flair for musical imagery with a glorious orchestral reverie, Debussy’s Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, that paints a vivid tableau of an enchanted faun on a warm, sunny afternoon
* Be there for NJFO concertmaster and virtuoso violinist Brennan Sweet’s magical evocation of a skylark's flight as it soars above the rolling green hills and meadows of the English countryside in Vaughn William’s The Lark Ascending
* Experience the talents of Maestro Wroe and the professionalism of the NJ Festival Orchestra as they present other musical surprises
Tickets ($35 for general lawn admission, $80 for VIP reserved seating) may be purchased online at www.njfestivalorchestra.org, by phone 908 232 49400, or in person at the NJFO office, 224 East Broad St in Westfield. This concert will be repeated the following day, Sunday July 31, at Fellowship Cultural Arts Center, Basking Ridge, NJ at 2:30pm.
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 our 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.
PHOTOS by Elizabeth Ryan for NJ Festival Orchestra
