NJ Festival Orchestra to Present Outdoor Concert in Westfield on October 1st

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 09/12/2022

(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- The New Jersey Festival Orchestra is back on October 1st with another outdoor concert in Westfield featuring music by Gershwin, Copland and more, and a special appearance by NY Metropolitan Opera’s renowned baritone Stephen Gaertner.

Maestro David Wroe, NJFO music director and conductor, said he is overjoyed to present “From Olden American Times” in the gardens of one of Westfield’s finest residences.

“We’re thrilled to be able to squeeze in one final outdoor concert. The Hertell Gardens ‘experience’ — under the stars, an acre of bucolic grounds, theatrically lit, acoustically enhanced sound, one of Westfield's grandest mansions as a backdrop — is back by popular demand for one last outdoor bash. Come catch one of the last sunsets of summer with an unforgettable artistic and social experience and celebration for the entire family.”

The October 1 will present a "touch of the folksy" Americana program featuring the Appalachian flavors of Copland’s Old American Songs, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess Fantasy and even pastorals, gavottes and tarantellas by Stravinsky.

American baritone Stephen Gaertner, who made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2007, will join NJFO to perform a number of Copland’s most cherished songs that capture both the grandeur and the intimate detail of American life and legend including “The Boatmen’s Dance,” “Long Time Ago,” “Simple Gifts” and “I Bought Me a Cat,” and more. These songs constitute some of the most popular and beloved classical music of our time – either in the concert hall or in popular culture.

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With change of pace, the orchestra will also present Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess Fantasy showcasing a wealth of moving melodies, memorable tunes, not to mention powerful and dramatic instrumental interludes, from, arguably, America’s greatest folk opera. Audiences will thrill to the orchestral sounds of “Summertime,” ‘It Ain’t necessarily so,” I Got Plenty O’Nuttin,” “ My Man’s Gone Now,” and many more, from one of the most celebrated American works of the 20th century.

"This is music for America's Musical Constitution - “... of the people, by the people, for the people.” enthused Wroe.

The concert, made possible, in part, by The NJ State Council on the Arts, will be professionally staged and lit.

“This concert is going to be another phenomenal event,” stated NJ Festival Orchestra Board President Keith S. Hertell. “We transform my grounds to create a fully professional outdoor performance experience. We build a symphonic stage to accommodate 30 to 40 musicians and conceptualize a ‘mood’ for each piece with exciting lighting. We bring in sound enhancement technology to evenly distribute the sound of the orchestra throughout the grounds. It’s a huge undertaking and we are deeply grateful to The NJ State Council on the Arts for their support.”

If you go: The performance on Saturday, October 1 begins at 7:00pm. Bring your own lawn chairs and refreshments to the rear garden setting of NJFO Board President Keith S. Hertell at 241 E. Dudley Avenue in Westfield. Patrons are welcome to arrive as early as 5 p.m. to set up and enjoy the sunset. 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.

Yifei Xu, a concert pianist performing with the orchestra, will offer an optional free pre-concert lecture at 6:00pm in the rear garden. Her talk is an informative and engaging way to learn more about the program and composers on offer.

Free on-street parking and full accessibility available.

Tickets ($40 for general lawn admission, $85 for VIP reserved seating, chairs provided) may be purchased online at www.njfestivalorchestra.org, by phone (908) 232-9400 or in person at the NJFO office, 224 East Broad Street in Westfield.

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