NJ Intergenerational Orchestra’s Annual Holiday Concert Delights Summit-Area Families with Festive Music and Interactive Fun
Concert featured holiday favorites, interactive performance, and a popular Instrument Petting Zoo
The NJ Intergenerational Orchestra’s (NJIO) Annual Family Holiday Concert was a resounding success, bringing joy and holiday cheer to families in the Summit area. Held on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at Summit High School, the concert was an unforgettable afternoon of music, fun, and festive interaction for over 300 concertgoers of all ages.
As families settled into their seats, the musicians of NJIO took to the stage, performing an eclectic selection of holiday classics. The program included works by Arcangelo Corelli, Carl Reinecke, Johann Strauss, and more. The highlight of the performance was the thrilling rendition of Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, which was given an exciting twist as the youngest members of the audience were invited to participate with their own jingle bells. This interactive segment added an extra layer of excitement, allowing children to play along with the orchestra and truly feel like part of the performance.
The concert was designed to appeal to a wide audience, from young children experiencing live orchestral music for the first time to longtime fans of NJIO’s signature intergenerational collaboration. “It was incredible to see the energy and joy from the crowd, especially the kids during Sleigh Ride,” said Allison Russo, Managing Director of NJIO. “Music has a magical way of bringing people together, and it was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the performance as one.”
One of the key elements that set this concert apart was the return of the beloved Instrument Petting Zoo.
Immediately following the performance, the audience was invited to explore a wide range of musical instruments. Thanks to the generous loan of instruments from Elefante Music of New Providence and Scotch Plains, concert-goers of all ages had the opportunity to try out all types of instruments. NJIO’s experienced musicians were on hand to offer guidance and ensure that everyone could safely handle and learn about the instruments they had always wondered about. The petting zoo was especially popular, drawing a large crowd eager to try their hand at playing and experience music in a hands-on way.
The event, which was free to the public with donations gratefully accepted, was a true celebration of the season and the power of music to unite generations. Families left with smiles, new musical interests, and a renewed appreciation for the arts. NJIO’s commitment to fostering music education and community engagement was evident in every note played and every child who picked up an instrument for the first time.
For those who missed this year’s concert, there’s no need to worry — NJIO is already planning next year’s holiday celebration. With such a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s sure to be an event worth attending.
About NJ Intergenerational Orchestra:
New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra, now in its 31st season, has been nationally recognized as a leader in intergenerational excellence through its unique approach to teaching musical performance and as a model for intergenerational orchestras across the country. Depending on space availability, NJIO welcomes new members of all ages and abilities each concert period to one of its several orchestras – no auditions needed!
NJIO’s 31st Season will continue with two more concerts, both free and open to all:
NJIO’s Winter Concert
Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3 pm –
Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church, Plainfield, NJ
NJIO’s Spring Concert
Sunday, April 27, 2025, 3 pm – Crescent Avenue
Presbyterian Church, Plainfield, NJ
This concert is made possible by funds from: the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation; The Lillian Schenck Foundation; The Henry S. and Agnes M. Truzack Foundation; Investors Foundation; Standish Foundation; and many other generous supporters. NJIO is a proud participating organization in the Families First Discovery Pass Program, a program of the NJ Departments of Health and Human Services.
The CHS Choir had a wonderful performance last night! We heard from the combined choir, concert choir, vocal fusion, chamber choir, Nothing but Treble, Chacafellas, and Chatham Voices.
If you were unable to attend the concert, the concert can be viewed using the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmWEO8rxhcg