Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 01/23/2025
(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- The New Jersey Festival Orchestra (NJFO), under the baton of David you Wroe, invites you to step into the intoxicating musical world of turn-of-the-century Vienna.
On Saturday, February 22, 2025 at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, NJFO will transport audiences to a world of elegance, joy, and poignant reflection with a lively program of music by iconic Viennese composers, including Johann Strauss and Gustav Mahler. Showtime is 7:00pm.
“We are excited to present a selection of familiar yet ever-delightful melodies that define the city’s exuberant spirit, stated NJFO Music Director David Wroe. “One highlight is sure to be the ever-popular Blue Danube Waltz, a perfect representation of Vienna’s festive atmosphere!”
The evening opens with sweeping waltzes, dances, and operetta selections, with renowned soprano Marcelina Román (shown above) adding her exquisite voice to the celebration. A laureate and winner of more than 20 prizes in international competitions Ms. Roman has performed in opera houses and music halls all over the world.
The program then takes a striking turn with the lyrical beauty Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 4, a work that explores both the lightness of innocence and the emotional depth of human experience.
The concert is a journey through the city’s most jubilant moments juxtaposed with more somber reflections, offering an unforgettable blend of frivolity and introspection.
“This is a celebration of two sides of Vienna,” continued Wroe, Music Director of NJFO. “We’re thrilled to bring both the spirited music of Strauss and the intensity of Mahler to our audiences, showcasing the vibrant contrasts that make Vienna’s musical legacy so powerful.”
NJFO Music Director and conductor David Wroe
Can’t make Saturday evening February 22? Prefer an afternoon concert? The performance will be repeated on Sunday, February 23rd at the Sieminsky Theater, Fellowship Cultural Arts Center, Basking Ridge. Showtime is 2:30pm. Both concerts are presented through the generous support of The NJ State Council on the Arts.
Tickets range from $45-$85 with a special discount price of only $25 for kids (under18) are available online at www.njfestivalorchestra.org or by calling (908) 232-9400.
Polish soprano Marcelina Román began her musical education as a cellist and later received her diploma at the Karol Lipiński Academy of Music in Wrocław. Her professional stage and role debut was as Violetta in “La Traviata” by G. Verdi with conductor Andriy Yurkevych, winning her the Jan Kiepura Prize for “Female Debut of the Year”. Marcelina is a laureate and winner of more than 20 prizes in international competitions, including Eva Marton Voice Competition, Hungary; IVC’s-Hertogenbosch; The Netherlands; Jāzeps Vītols Vocal Competition in Latvia; Adam Didur Singing Competition in Polonia. After her spectacular success as “Armide” (J.B.Lully) she was named “Operatic Revelation of the Year”. In 2021, Marcelina released her solo album “Polish Soul” in collaboration with pianist Gilbert den Broeder.
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 their 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.
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