Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/11/2025
Patrick Williams, associate flutist, The Philadelphia Orchestra
(EWING, NJ) -- The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey (YOCJ) is pleased to announce its 2025 concert and performance schedule. Kicking off the year will be the Winter Large Ensemble Concert on Sunday, January 19th with YOCJ's Symphonic Orchestra featuring soloist Patrick Williams, associate principal flutist of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Mr. Williams was appointed associate principal flutist of The Philadelphia Orchestra in 2018 by Maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Mr. Williams is also currently adjunct instructor of flute at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance. YOCJ is pleased to present Mr. Williams performing the Reineke Flute Concerto conducted by Mr. Kenneth T. Bean, Assistant Conductor of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO).
“We are delighted to welcome Patrick as our soloist this season. Over the years, YOCJ has been fortunate to collaborate with many leading musicians and provide unique learning opportunities for our young musicians,” said Philip Pugh, Artistic Director, YOCJ. “These partnerships are vital to the musical growth of our students and we are grateful to all the professionals who work with us towards this shared goal.”
The YOCJ Symphonic Orchestra is conducted by Kenneth Bean, Assistant Conductor of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO). The partnership is the formalization of an ongoing relationship established through the PSO’s BRAVO! Education Program which encourages young musicians and their families to be exposed to extensive performance repertoire and be inspired by professional artists. Integral to the partnership, the PSO has expanded its assistant conductor position to include leadership of YOCJ’s Symphonic Orchestra.
The large ensemble concerts will be held at Kendall Hall on the campus of The College of New Jersey (1900 Pennington Road) in Ewing, New Jersey. Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 3:00pm (snow date: Sunday, January 26) - Wind Symphony Sinfonietta String Orchestra Pro Arte Orchestra; 8:00pm Concert, Saxophone Choir, Symphonic Orchestra, featuring Patrick Williams, Flute Reinecke Flute Concerto. Tickets are $28 Adults; $23 Seniors & Students (under 18). Tickets are available for purchase online.
Looking ahead into the season, YOCJ will provide opportunities for students to refine and grow their skills through master classes led by renowned clinicians. Schedule of Masterclasses and spring concerts below:
Tuesday, February 18 – Saxophone Masterclass with Selmer artist Mr. Valentin Kovalev
Tuesday, March 11 – Woodwind Masterclass with Patrick Williams, associate flutist, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Masterclasses for Brass, Strings and Percussion with clinicians from Princeton Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, April 26 – Spring Small Ensemble Concert
Saturday, May 18 – Spring Large Ensemble Concert featuring YOCJ Senior Concerto Competition Winner
Talented young musicians interested in broadening their performing opportunities, can find more information here about the next round of auditions taking place on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
The mission of The Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey is to provide opportunities for young, talented musicians in Central New Jersey to participate in musical performances at a higher level than typically offered through school bands and orchestras. Founded in 1978 and incorporated in 1999, under the name “Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey,” the organization has grown from two string orchestras and a wind ensemble to nine performing ensembles, including three string orchestras for musicians of different levels. Unique to YOCJ are the chamber groups for flute, saxophone, brass, woodwinds, and percussion that offer an unparalleled opportunity for small ensembles that feature these instruments in performance.
In addition to concerts throughout the year, YOCJ also offers master classes with renowned musicians as well as performance opportunities at celebrated locations and concert halls throughout the world during its international tours.
YOCJ is a growing, vibrant organization that is committed to carrying on the tradition of providing diverse musical experiences to the talented young musicians of our region.
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