WWFM Hosts Benefit Concert 'Celebrating Our Musical Community' 6/7 In Trenton

WWFM, the 24-hour classical radio network located on the campus of Mercer County Community College, will host a benefit concert, "Celebrating Our Musical Community," on Sunday, June 7 at 4 p.m. at the Trenton War Memorial's Patriots Theater. Musicians from around the region and the world will perform, with Exploring Music's Bill McGlaughlin serving as guest host.

The program will feature vocal, orchestral and choral numbers. Performers include Julianne Baird, Palisades Virtuosi, Parthenia Viol Consort, Rutgers Collegium Musicum, under the direction of Andrew Kirkman, Princeton Pro Musica under the direction of Frances Fowler Slade, Lile Piano Trio and Cordus Mundi. The concert will be recorded and become the fourth CD in WWFM's series, Celebrating our Musical Community.

According to WWFM General Manager Peter Fretwell, the event accomplishes a number of goals. "It allows us to get out of the studio and into the community, doing what we love most - sharing classical music with the public. We will be showcasing both musicians from the region and those who perform worldwide," he said. "The talent under one roof will be quite extraordinary."

It is Fretwell's hope that the event will also provide much needed programming dollars for the station. "The arts are suffering along with the rest of the economy. Those who listen to us and who love classical music should come out and enjoy this event, while helping the station continue its mission of delivering the best in classical music programming." Fretwell adds that WWFM can now be accessed online and through ITunes.

WWFM staff members are delighted that Bill McGlaughlin will serve as the concert's host. A composer, conductor and interviewer, "McGlaughlin will add a tremendous dimension to the evening," says WWFM host David Osenberg. "He has been on the air with St. Paul Sunday Morning and Exploring Music for many years and has many devoted listeners. We are so pleased he is supporting our station in this visible way."

Admission is by advance reservation, which must be made no later than May 24. Tickets are $45 for the concert only; and $100 for the concert and a post-concert reception. For reservations and more information call 609-587-8989.

To learn more about WWFM or listen to programming online, visit the website at www.wwfm.org.