(TRENTON, NJ) -- The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) announces its 2026–2027 season, Turning Points, the orchestra's first full season under new Music Director Kyle Ritenauer. The season takes its name from a simple idea: that the most memorable music, like the most memorable moments in life, tends to arrive at a threshold, a moment before everything changes course.
Mainstage concerts at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton anchor the season, alongside the Musicians' Choice Chamber Music Series, which brings CPNJ's own players into intimate venues throughout the Trenton area. The season also continues CPNJ's investment in the region's next generation of musicians and composers, including the Young Composers Initiative and the Mary G. Roebling Youth Concerto Competition.
“The orchestra sounded extraordinary under Kyle’s direction last April, and the connection between him and our musicians was unmistakable. He brings a fresh energy to the Capital Philharmonic, and we are excited to welcome him as Music Director and look forward to this next era for the orchestra.” — Jill Aguayo, Executive Director
About the Season
Opening Night — October 24 CPNJ opens its season with the world premiere of two new works by Composer-in-Residence Vince di Mura. Harmony Villa, written with collaborative input from choral students at Foundation Academy Collegiate, will involve orchestra, vocalist, pipa, and three choruses singing in English and Chinese, celebrating the region's community of artists. L'Hôtel Ritz de Paris takes audiences inside the legendary Paris hotel during World War II, blending orchestral writing with a Cuban ensemble, solo violin, with a cabaret flare to trace the hotel's path from occupation toward liberation.
Young Composers Reading Session — November 21 CPNJ's Young Composers Initiative gives emerging composers a rare opportunity: hearing their own music performed by a professional orchestra. The free reading session is open to the public, with season subscribers guaranteed priority seating. This session will take place at Foundation Academies’ new facility in Trenton.
New Year's Eve: A Trenton Tradition — December 31 Trenton's cherished New Year's Eve tradition returns to Patriots Theater, ringing in 2027 with holiday favorites and beloved waltzes, followed by a champagne toast (generously sponsored by Capital Health).
Joy, Celebration & Renewal — March 7 CPNJ joins the Capital Singers of Trenton in celebrating the choir's 20th anniversary with Poulenc's Gloria, Rutter's Te Deum, and Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony.
The Rise to Greatness — April 10 Maestro Ritenauer begins a multi-season journey through all four Brahms symphonies, opening with Beethoven's Egmont Overture and Brahms's First Symphony. The concert also features the winner of the Mary G. Roebling Youth Concerto Competition.
Musicians' Choice Chamber Music Series Throughout the season, CPNJ musicians perform in intimate, historic Trenton-area venues, presenting chamber repertoire of their own choosing — a more personal counterpart to the mainstage concerts at Patriots Theater.
Subscriptions and Tickets
Season subscriptions and single tickets for Turning Points are available now at capitalphilharmonic.org.
The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey is a professional orchestra based at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, NJ, dedicated to building a stronger community through collaboration, educational outreach and accessibility for all.
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