originally published: 05/09/2024
(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- The New Jersey Festival Orchestra is back outdoors in Westfield on Saturday, June 15 for music by Beethoven and Stravinsky, and featuring virtuoso violinist Sandy Cameron performing Prokofievs's renowned Violin Concerto No.2. The garden setting concert will begin at 7:30pm.
Maestro David Wroe, music director and conductor of the professional orchestra, said he is especially thrilled to welcome back Cirque du Soleil’s Sandy Cameron to perform in the orchestra’s season finale “Something new, Something Past,” outdoors in the gardens of one of Westfield’s finest residences.
“Sandy Cameron is undoubtedly one of the most strikingly unique artists of her generation,” declared Wroe. “Many will remember her acclaimed appearance with NJ Festival Orchestra back in 2013 when she wowed us all with her breathtaking performance. Her violin is sure to ring and sing in our superb outdoor setting on June 15th.”
The innovative program “Something new, Something Past” brings together three classical music giants, each work 'tipping its hat' to borrowed material from the past then spinning out in glorious symphonic splendor. Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite grabs 18th Century Italian court music and refreshes it with kaleidoscopic modern orchestral colors. Ukrainian-born Prokofiev highlights Russian folk melodies in his reflective Violin Concerto No. 2. Finally, Beethoven’s Symphony No.7 presents victorious and uplifting music, even requisitioning an Irish reel in the finale.
Tickets ($40 for general lawn admission, $85 for VIP reserved seating, chairs provided) are available for purchase online, by phone (908) 232-9400 or in person at the NJFO office, 224 East Broad St. in Westfield.
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The concert, made possible, in part, by Ray Catena of Union, will be professionally staged and lit.
“This concert is going to be another phenomenal event,” stated NJ Festival Orchestra Board President Keith S. Hertell. “We transform my grounds to create a fully professional outdoor performance experience. We build a symphonic stage to accommodate the fully professional orchestra and conceptualize a ‘mood’ for each piece with exciting lighting. We bring in sound enhancement technology to evenly distribute the sound of the orchestra throughout the grounds. It’s a huge undertaking and we are deeply grateful to Ray Catena of Union for their support.”
If you go: Performance, Saturday June 15th, begins at 7:30pm. Bring your own lawn chairs and refreshments to the rear garden setting of NJFO Board President, Keith S. Hertell, at 241 E. Dudley Avenue in Westfield. Patrons are welcome to arrive as early as 5:30pm to set up and enjoy the sunset. VIP seating is available for those who wish to take advantage of a limited access to a reserved section of NJFO chair seating provided close to the stage.
Free on-street parking and full accessibility available.
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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