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2017 Classical Season Celebration was a Rousing Success!

Sunday, November 12 was an amazing day at State Theatre New Jersey for classical music and patronage! The day marked the kickoff to our 2017-2018 Orchestra Series with our Classical Season Celebration, honoring Steve DeMicco and Jeanne Fox. Event guests were treated to a pre-performance champagne reception and post-performance dinner, along with an incredible performance by the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, with three encores!

This year’s Classical Season Celebration raised over $65,000—all of which helps keep our world-class orchestra series and classical education initiatives accessible for students and families of all backgrounds. State Theatre New Jersey has a 29-year history of presenting the finest national and international orchestras, and this event, along with generous support from The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, helps to ensure that classical music continues to thrive in New Brunswick.

At the top of the show, concert attendees were welcomed by State Theatre Acting President & CEO Anna Marie Gewirtz. Guests were then treated to an incredible performance by the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Pavel Kogan and with piano soloist Dmitry Masleev, winner of the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition. The afternoon’s repertoire included Rachmaninov’s The Rock, Scriabin Symphony No. 2, and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, with piano soloist Dmitry Masleev dazzling the audience with his amazing technique and quick fingers! 

At the post-performance dinner, event guests enjoyed fabulous company, a Russian-themed menu, and a fantastic Silent Auction with great items such as jewelry, wine and food baskets, show and sport tickets, and more! John Fitzgerald, Board Vice-Chair of State Theatre New Jersey, presented the Leadership in the Arts Award to Steve DeMicco and Jeanne Fox. Steve and Jeanne, who were joined in the room by many friends and colleagues, spoke about their love for the live performing arts, their passion for keeping these experiences available for future generations, and their commitment to State Theatre New Jersey because of its dedication to the community. In addition, Erin Eckert, a student from New Brunswick’s Woodrow Wilson School who participates in the State Theatre’s Symphony Scholars program, spoke about her love for playing the cello, and her appreciation for this education program that allows her and her classmates to receive in-school workshops and experience live orchestra performances free of charge.

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the 2017 Classical Season Celebration—it was an exciting afternoon and wonderful day of friendship and celebration. The State Theatre New Jersey Board of Trustees and Staff would like to thank Co-Chairs Christian and Christine Jensen and Kenneth and Jennifer Osterman for their leadership and dedication, and the entire Classical Season Celebration Committee for its hard work and commitment to “The Power of Live.”

If you missed this year’s event, keep an eye out for our 2018 Classical Season Celebration that will take place next fall. We hope to see you there!

Classical Season Celebration Committee:

Co-Chairs:
Christian and Christine Jensen, and Kenneth and Jennifer Osterman

Committee Members:
Xenia Balabkins, Frankie Busch, Andrea Cunnell, Susan Darien, Alice DeVoe and John Szabo, Mary Ellen Dundon, Robert and Lily Erwin, Gurdon Hornor, Ann Kosco, Howard Malitz, Jean McDonnell, Julie Nuesch, Steve Reichman, The Honorable Blanquita Valenti

Special thanks to our Orchestra Series Underwriter: