(VOORHEES, NJ) --  The 85+ members of the all-volunteer Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey will take the stage to open the PSNJ's 2023-24 season on Sunday, October 15, 2023 as the group welcomes James Allen Anderson as its new Music Director. During this first performance of the season, the PSNJ will offer two iconic works from the symphonic repertoire: Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations and Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 by Johannes Brahms. The two works explore the "Theme and Variation" musical form and Anderson selected the works for their beauty and timelessness.

The beloved Enigma Variations is a fascinating exploration of musical character sketches, each representing a friend or loved one in Elgar's life. Audiences will embark on a journey of sentiment and emotion as the composer's tribute to the power of friendship unfolds.

Brahms' deeply emotional masterpiece intensity and impeccable craftsmanship. This symphony has long been admired for its profound beauty and stirring melodies, and Anderson and the orchestra are poised to deliver an unforgettable interpretation.

The concert will take place at Eastern Camden County Regional High School Center for Performing Arts, located at 1401 Laurel Oak Road, Voorhees, NJ. Free parking is available on site, and refreshments are available for purchase.

The performance will run approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes and will include one 15-minute intermission.

Following the performance, audience members and PSNJ supporters are invited to join the performers and conductor at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant located at 13107 Town Center Blvd, Voorhees, NJ. As the PSNJ's signature dining partner, Iron Hill donates 20% of diners' food purchases to support the orchestra. Reservations recommended.

"The members of the PSNJ and I are so excited to share our musical gifts by opening our season with a beautiful program that honors the importance and lasting power of friendship," said Music Director James Allen Anderson about the upcoming performance. "We are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and friendship of the South Jersey community."

"We are thrilled to begin our first full season under the baton of our new Music Director, James Allen Anderson," said PSNJ Board President Elura Nanos. "Our players are more excited than ever to share this beautiful program with our audience."

"We all feel so lucky to have the chance to work with Anderson," continued Nanos, who also plays with the orchestra. "His deep understanding of the connection between music and community is an inspiration for all of us. Under Anderson's leadership, the PSNJ will doubtlessly continue our mission of delivering exceptional artistry to our community in a way that is affordable and accessible to all South Jersey's music lovers."

The Philharmonic of Southern New Jersey is an 85+ piece symphony orchestra formed in 1991 to provide quality classical music to people throughout southern New Jersey and the Delaware Valley. For over thirty years, the PSNJ has brought exceptional music to the area in a way that is accessible to patrons of all ages and backgrounds. They are the largest all-volunteer ensemble in the region, and their diverse group of dedicated members performs multiple sold-out performances each year to audiences of over 1200 patrons. Their members, who take the stage each week hailing from myriad professional and personal backgrounds, do so for the simple love of music and community. The PSNJ proudly offers sponsored tickets to music students and underserved communities. Any group seeking sponsorship is invited to contact the PSNJ with a request by emailing [email protected].