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Orchestrating Impact: Stories from the Heart of New Jersey Symphony

Orchestrating Impact: Stories from the Heart of New Jersey Symphony is a transformative podcast that highlights the profound influence of music and community connections in the Garden State. Hosted by Jamara Wakefield and produced by ABF Creative, this series embarks on a captivating journey to explore the untold stories of individuals who have experienced the New Jersey Symphony’s work deeply, including musicians, community members, educators and more.

You can watch the podcast on the New Jersey Symphony’s YouTube channel, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your preferred streaming platform!

Episode Three: Stefon Harris

Jazz luminary Stefon Harris shares the inspiring story of how music changed his life and why he believes that mentors can help young musicians realize their gifts and overcome challenges. He also underscores the unique role of an orchestra as a community catalyst as well as the importance of making a concert experience inclusive.

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Episode Two: Sharon Salvador & Richard Marshall

Sharon Salvador and Richard Marshall of the Newark School of the Arts discuss how their work is impacting their lives and the direct impact they’ve had on their students. They also discuss the critical role of advocacy in the arts. Discover the seamless collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony that propels this transformative endeavor forward.

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Episode One: Lauren Meehan

In the inaugural episode, we are joined by Lauren Meehan, the Director of Arts Ed Newark. As a former youth violinist, Lauren sheds light on the crucial need for early and engaging arts education opportunities for young individuals. Dive into this insightful episode and explore the world of arts education with us!

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Hear New Jersey Symphony concert recordings originally broadcast on WWFM and WQXR.

Scores: Cone Institute 2024

Hear world premieres from Leigha Amick, Jessie Leov, Paul Cosme and Santiago Beis, plus a work by Steven Mackey.

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Gemma New, George Li & Symphonie fantastique

Hear Sarah Gibson’s warp & weft, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique.

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Eric Jacobsen Conducts Fauré & Ravel

Hear Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, Walker’s Lilacs and Fauré’s Requiem.

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Neeme Järvi Returns

Hear Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ Overture to L’amante anonyme and Violin Concerto in A Major, Op. 5, No. 2, Still’s Symphony No. 1, “Afro-American” and Beethoven’s Romance for Violin and Orchestra No. 2.

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Scores: Cone Institute 2023

Hear world premieres from Tom Morrison, Kory Reeder, Sam Wu and Yangfan Xu, plus a work by Steven Mackey.

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Joshua Bell Plays Bruch

Hear Daniel Bernard Roumain’s Farah (Joy) for Voice and Orchestra, Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.

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Tchaikovsky & Bates

Hear Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio italien, Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture and Suite from Swan Lake and Mason Bates’ Piano Concerto.

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Scores: Cone Institute 2022

Hear world premieres from Dai Wei, Baldwin Giang, Jack Frerer and Sophia Jani.

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Scores: Cone Institute 2021

Hear world premieres from Elise Alancio, Kevin Day, Erin Graham and Jared Miller.

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Scores: Cone Institute 2019

Hear world premieres from Dan Caputo, Patrick O’Malley, Iván Enrique Rodríguez and Bora Yoon, plus a work by Steven Mackey.

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Scores: Cone Institute 2018

Hear world premieres from Jonathan Cziner, Natalie Dietterich, Aaron Hendrix and Brian Shank.

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Scores: Cone Institute 2017

Hear world premieres from Saad Haddad, Noah Kaplan, Sam Lipman and Alyssa Weinberg.

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This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.