NJSO Presents 2018 Opening Night Celebration: Ode To Joy

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra celebrates the joys of giving, diversity and the state's remarkable communities at its Opening Night Celebration on October 5 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. The gala, which kicks off Music Director Xian Zhang's third season at the helm of the NJSO, honors two outstanding community members-Stevens Institute of Technology President Nariman Farvardin and NJSO Community Relations Liaison Florence Johnson.

The opening-weekend concert program, led by Zhang at 7:30 pm, pairs Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the US premiere of Kate Whitley's Speak Out. The NJSO celebrates the voices of its own communities through Newark Voices-a community choir based in Newark that will join singers from Montclair State University for Beethoven's masterwork.

The gala evening includes a pre-concert cocktail party with hors d' oeuvres and an open bar at 5:30 pm; a post-concert dinner offers opportunities to meet and mingle with Zhang, musicians and special guests. Complimentary valet parking will be provided for all gala attendees. The gala is sponsored by Investors Bank.

All proceeds from the gala event will support the NJSO as it enriches lives through its artistic, music education and community engagement programs.

NJSO President & CEO Gabriel van Aalst says: "Our opening gala is a true celebration of community, and we are proud to honor two of New Jersey's finest influencers in Dr. Nariman Farvardin and the NJSO's own Florence Johnson. These two individuals are pillars of their respective communities; they have fostered collaboration and inspired new audiences to experience the arts in our great state."

"Stevens' partnership with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra over the last two years has truly enriched not only the lives of the extended Stevens community, but has also enhanced the arts and culture of Hoboken and the region," Farvardin says. "The OnStage at Stevens program adds an important dimension to the vibrant campus life of our premier technological research university. I look forward to continuing and expanding the partnership between Stevens and the NJSO in the years to come."

Johnson says: "Of all the awards I have received over the past three decades, I value this special recognition the most. I am being honored for doing what I truly love-spreading the good news about our great symphony orchestra, a precious gem in our community. Music inspires us; it gives us hope for the future and joy in our hearts. We must all continue to keep this joyous spirit going throughout our great city of Newark and state of New Jersey."

The NJSO repeats the concert performance on October 6 at 8 pm at State Theatre New Jersey in New Brunswick and October 7 at 3 pm at NJPAC. Concert tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase at njsymphony.org or 1.800.ALLEGRO (255.3476).

Full gala information is available at njsymphony.org/openingnight.