Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey and the College of Saint Elizabeth Sponsor The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Next Stage Ensemble’s non-Musical Rendition of Marriage of Figaro
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 • 8:39pm
The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey and the College of Saint Elizabeth proudly announce the presentation of a free, non-musical, theatrical rendition of The Marriage of Figaro, adapted from the play by Pierre Beaumarchais. This first event in BONJ’s 2012 Summer Music Festival will take place at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, August 12, on the lawn at the College of Saint Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road, Morristown. The collaboration will feature Next Stage Ensemble of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey in a rollicking portrayal appropriate for audiences of all ages.
The Next Stage Ensemble of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey was created to foster the work of early career actors and to train them in ensemble-based performance techniques. In conjunction with the Shakespeare Theatre’s mission as a teaching theatre, members of the NSE also take master classes in various disciplines to hone the skills necessary to be a consummate theatre artist.
Since the production will be out-of-doors, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, lunches or snacks (no alcoholic beverages are permitted) to add to the enjoyment of this outside performance, which is FREE to all. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the performance will be cancelled with no future rain date.
“The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey is excited to welcome The College of Saint Elizabeth and The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey as collaborators in its Summer Festival. It is partnerships such as these that allow us to present such wonderful, family-friendly, free events such as The Marriage of Figaro in our community,” said Board President Jo Ann Bates.
Opening Musical Event for the 2012 Summer Festival of The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey, entitled Fresh Breezes Orchestra Concert, at 3 p.m., Sunday, August 12, at Dolan Performance Hall, College of Saint Elizabeth, will include performances by several young classical musicians who were awarded prizes in the Orchestra’s annual Pearl and Julius Young Music Competition.
John Burkhalter, internationally acclaimed and renowned recorder artist, will perform Antonio Vivaldi’s Recorder Concerto. Mr. Burkhalter is a favorite performer of our audiences. In addition to being a great musician, he is a scholar and collector of 17th and 18th century manuscripts. He has appeared in prestigious early music festivals around the world.
The young musicians who will appear on the program include:
Alex Bickard, double bassist and first place winner of this year’s music competition, will play Bass Concerto, by Carl Ditters van Dittersdorf
Celil Refik Kaya, classical guitarist and second place winner in this year’s competition, will premiere Guitar Rhapsody, by Derwyn Holder, a contemporary composer who works in both the classical and jazz styles.
Jessica Smith, clarinetist, who placed third in last year’s competition, will play Clarinet Concerto, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
NaYoung Yang, violinist, who participated in this year’s competition, is one of the youngest performers ever in the annual event. She will play Violin Concerto No. 4, First Movement, also by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Ms. Yang attends Freehold (NJ) High School.
Dr. Robert W. Butts is the founder, conductor and music director, of the Orchestra. He has received international awards for his musical virtuosity, composing abilities and work with young musicians.
Tickets for the concert are priced at $35/$25/$5/Adults/Seniors/Students under 22 with ID. They can be purchased online by going to the Orchestra’s web site, www.baroqueorchestra.org; by calling 973-366-8922; or at the door the day of the concert.
