Westfield Hall of Fame to Induct NJFO Maestro David Wroe
By Germaine Trabert
The music director and conductor has been orchestrating community connections.
The Westfield Historical Society is proud to announce that Maestro David Wroe, who has served as the Music Director of the New Jersey Festival Orchestra (NJFO) since 1998, has been selected for induction into the prestigious Westfield Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and beyond.
Critically acclaimed Maestro David Wroe, has earned plaudits for his work as a conductor in concert halls throughout the world. However, it is his focus on community engagement and partnerships, which earned him a Congressional Citation, and his talent for dynamic programming which has ensured Westfield’s unique status as home to one of the largest and most prominent professional orchestras in New Jersey.
Founded in 1983 as the Westfield Symphony Orchestra, the NJFO under Maestro Wroe’s leadership has become known for its interactive programs with underserved populations, music therapy outreach and collaborative work with area school music programs.
In 1998, Maestro Wroe was asked to compete for the full-time music director role with the Westfield Symphony Orchestra.
“I was amazed that a town the size of Westfield could assemble and sustain a full symphonic orchestra the quality of the Westfield Symphony Orchestra (NJFO),” said Maestro Wroe.
“Winning the music directorship demanded a ‘boots on the ground’ approach to musical and administrative management of the Orchestra. It was only going to be a successful tenure if I had a presence in the community. This, combined with bringing up a family, made Westfield the ideal place to settle.”
Born in the UK, Maestro Wroe began his musical journey at the age of 8 when he was selected to attend the Ripon Cathedral Choir School. After studying the cello at Lancing College, he earned his BMus at Manchester University. It was his interest in specializing in conducting and the opportunity to study under the esteemed teacher Victor Yampolsky that brought David to the United States and Northwestern University. After receiving his MM, Wroe began his career founding and music directing the Kansas City Camerata. However, Wroe says that his “big break” came when he was selected to be the conducting assistant to Seiji Ozawa at the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Cited by The New York Times for his “bristling energy and sharp detail,” Maestro Wroe’s career has taken him all over the United States and the world. He has served as Resident Conductor with the New York City Opera and Opera der Stadt Heidelberg; Director of Orchestras for New York University and Montclair State University as well as Music Director for the State Ballet of Missouri and Music Director for The Irish Tenors.
Maestro Wroe and his wife, Shuang Guo Wroe, an accomplished pianist and conductor, met at the Leonard Bernstein International Conducting Competition in Jerusalem. They have two sons who are graduates of Westfield High School.
The Westfield Hall of Fame is a Committee of The Westfield Historical Society which has named seven inductees for the 2025 Hall of Fame Class. In addition to David Wroe, inductees include William McLaren Bristol, Christopher Lundy Campbell, Keith Hertell, Charlotte Nichols Montgomery, Carole Shaffer-Koros and Darielle Walsh. The Hall of Fame Committee has a long list of qualified candidates submitted by the public for its consideration in future inductions.
The 11 members of the 2025 Hall of Fame selection committee are planning the induction ceremony for Friday, October 10, 2025. Historical Society members and the public at large are encouraged to submit profiles of people believed to be strong candidates for the Westfield Hall of Fame to the Westfield Historical Society, 314 Mountain Ave., Westfield, NJ 07090.
Since 1968, the 501(c)(3) non-profit Westfield Historical Society has worked to preserve, interpret, and encourage interest in history, Westfield, and its residents through educational efforts and community outreach programs.