Bay Atlantic Symphony Concertmaster Ruotao Mao performs Brahm's Violin Concerto in the first concert of this season

(ATLANTIC CITY, NJ) -- South Jersey audiences will delight in professional live orchestral musical performances at the Bay Atlantic Symphony’s five concert 2024-2025 season. Season subscriptions and single tickets are available. "Classical Music Celebrations Presented with Today’s Energy."

Performances take place at the Guaracini Performing Arts Center at Rowan University Cumberland Campus in Vineland on Saturdays at 3:00pm and at Sundays at 2:00pm. Performances take place at Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center (101 Vera King Farris Drive) in Galloway, New Jersey.

Kicking off the season is Concertmaster Ruotao Mao’s solo rendition of Johannes Brahms’ “Violin Concerto” at Exquisite and Electric on October 19-20. Radiant expression pours out at every turn during Brahms’ fiercely demanding piece. The entire orchestra shines with a whimsical Pavane by Gabriel Fauré and a deft, virtuosic and exquisite baroque homage to friendship by Maurice Ravel.

Holiday Expressions featuring Soprano Melissa Chavez performing holiday favorites takes place December 14-15. Chavez sings two Christmas classics (“Ave Maria” and “O Holy Night”) while their flutists and Concertmaster Ruotao Mao are featured in Johann Bach’s bejeweled and uplifting Fourth Brandenburg Concerto. Music for Hannukah and Kwanzaa round out their holiday celebration and there are two carol sing-alongs in great holiday tradition, one with the orchestra and the other gathered round-the-piano led by Maestro Gaylin.

Yes to No-Nets! takes place January 18-19, 2025. A ravishing display of incredible contrasts. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Nonet piano composition is filled with long lines and beautiful color. And two early 20th-century Czech composers sketch both the pastoral countryside and a more suave and urbane cosmopolitan view. Each of their talented musicians is featured individually.

Powerful Voices takes place March 15-16, 2025. Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 opens with a mysterious and bareboned musical introduction previewing the elements that erupt in each movement with playful rhythms and tunes. A smashing vocal quartet of soloists in Joseph Haydn’s resplendent and phenomenally expressive music and the talented Greater South Jersey Chorus enliven Lord Nelson Mass, written during the Napoleonic wars.

The season finale is Spring in our Step, which takes place May 3-4, 2025. American composer James Grant’s homage to the theater Entr’acte is witty and rollicking. Solo pianist Byeol Kim performs Robert Schumann’s Concerto in A Minor with magic and joy. George Bizet’s effervescent and youthful Symphony is adored for its charm and Romanticism.

“Our program celebrates timeless classics alongside innovation from newer composers,” said Bay Atlantic Symphony Music Director Jed Gaylin. “This season offers a vibrant, transformative musical experience for all who attend.”

Symphony Executive Director Brian McPeak added, "This season our performances showcase the versatility and talent of our own orchestra. Each concert is designed to connect with our audience of both longtime orchestra enthusiasts and first-time concert goers.”

Audiences can save on ticket pricing by being a season subscriber to four of the five concerts. Season subscription and single ticket sales are both open and can be purchased on Bay Atlantic Symphony’s website.

Bay Atlantic Symphony is the leading professional performing arts company and education organization of the region with its artistic vision driven by the philosophy that music is essential to life. The Symphony provides access to excellence in performance and music education that enhances the musicians, presenters, participants and community. Bay Atlantic Symphony is a per-service orchestra comprised of union musicians.