NJFO Kicks Off Extraordinary Season of Music and Celebration
New Jersey Festival Orchestra (NJFO) has announced its 2026–27 season, promising an exciting series of concerts that celebrate America, the holiday season, Broadway, and the enduring power of live orchestral music. Under the baton of Maestro David Wroe, the 44th season continues NJFO’s tradition of blending beloved masterpieces with innovative, accessible programming designed to delight longtime patrons and welcome new audiences.
“This season is particularly meaningful as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary,” commented NJFO Music Director and conductor David Wroe. “We have crafted a program that embraces the grandeur of the orchestral repertoire while also offering the festive, popular presentations that have become a hallmark of NJFO.”
NJFO opened the season this weekend with a performance “America: Honoring 250 Years” at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, followed by a second at the Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge. The program paired Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, honoring the enduring words and legacy of Abraham Lincoln, with Antonín Dvořák’s beloved Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” The Sieminski Theater performance also featured Mozart’s brilliant Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, K. 365, performed by young acclaimed pianists Kaiden Griggs and Kate Lee. Pre-concert lectures will return at The holiday season returns in spectacular fashion with “Return of the Holiday Tenors” on Saturday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m. at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield. Back by popular demand, this festive celebration features returning tenors Luke Norvell and Errin Duane Brooks, and welcomes Alessio Borraggine alongside NJFO in a symphonic spectacular spotlighting seasonal favorites and beloved holiday classics, guaranteed to bring the magic of the season to life.
The festivities continue with NJFO’s signature New Year’s celebration, “Broadway Through the Ages.” On Thursday, Dec. 31 at 7 p.m. at Westfield High School, Maestro David Wroe leads the NJ Festival Orchestra and a cast of Broadway soloists in a dazzling journey through iconic favorites from America’s Great Songbook. An additional performance will take place on Friday, Jan. 1, 2027 at 2:30 p.m. at the Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge, offering audiences another opportunity to welcome the New Year with music, glamour, and Broadway favorites.
NJFO Operations Director and concert pianist Yifei Xu will again conduct pre-concert lectures before select performances, offering insights into the featured music and musicians. This season, she will be joined by NJFO Director of Advancement & Development, Matthew Armbruster, for select concerts. Lectures begin one hour before performances and are free to all ticket holders.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets for NJFO’s 2026–2027 season are on sale now. For tickets and additional information, visit njfestivalorchestra.org/concerts or call (908) 232-9400. Advance ticket purchases are encouraged.
The New Jersey Festival Orchestra is a premier, fully professional symphony orchestra. Founded in Westfield in 1983, NJFO has grown to become one of New Jersey’s largest professional orchestras, with a presence throughout many cultural communities of New Jersey and appearances as far afield as Carnegie Hall.
The name New Jersey Festival Orchestra reflects an ongoing celebration of the diversity of music and the creation of experiences that stretch the boundaries of traditional classical performances. NJFO programs include classics from the orchestral repertory as well as offerings that showcase the fusion of fine arts and popular culture.
In addition to its adventurous subscription season, popular concerts, and rousing New Year’s celebrations, NJFO sponsors educational and music therapy programs throughout New Jersey, bringing the transformative power of music to audiences both inside and beyond the concert hall.