Capital Philharmonic Presents “The Dream of America”
BACK ON STAGE: Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey brings works by American composers to the War Memorial in Trenton, marking its return to the theater since the pandemic.
Capital Philharmonic New Jersey (CPNJ) returns to Trenton’s Patriots Theater at the War Memorial on Saturday, October 23 at 7:30 p.m. with “The Dream of America,” first presented four years ago and brought back by popular demand.
The performance launches the orchestra’s 2021/22 season after suspending its performances at the War Memorial in March 2020.
“The musicians and I are absolutely delighted to be returning to the stage,” said Music Director/Conductor Daniel Spalding. “It has been a long 20 months. We were able to come together for several outdoor performances and a recording session, but walking out onto the Patriots Theater stage will really feel like we are coming home.”
Peter Boyer’s Ellis Island: The Dream of America celebrates the historic American immigrant experience and the American dream. The work includes actors and projected historical images from the Ellis Island archives. Seven actors from Passage Theatre Company recite reminiscences of new Americans from Poland, Greece, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Russia, and Italy. Written in 2002, Ellis Island: The Dream of America has been performed by major American orchestras.
The orchestra will open the concert with two other 20th century American works: Liberty Fanfare by John Williams and Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copland.
“What a great way to re-start our series at the War Memorial,” said board president Gloria Teti. “Like many arts and music organizations, we feel as if we’ve really weathered a storm. Our utmost priority has been on ensuring the health and safety of our musicians and our audience. Regrettably, we lost two players to COVID during the epidemic and they will be missed. But our spirits have been buoyed by the continuing support of so many patrons and by the anticipation the relaunching of classical orchestra music in Trenton.”
For tickets, visit capitalphilharmonic.org or call the (609) 656-3224. Subscriptions for CPNJ’s entire season are available at a savings of 33 percent off single price tickets.
In keeping with current safety and health practices, all patrons must show proof of full vaccination for COVID-19 before entering the War Memorial.