College Night gets audience and critics buzzing
The NJSO’s College Night on March 1 had the audience and critics buzzing. Nearly 200 students from colleges and universities across the state joined the Orchestra at NJPAC in Newark for an evening of music and fun.
The Star-Ledger’s Ronni Reich wrote that “students screamed as their schools were named [from stage before the concert], and their enthusiasm was just as palpable as the concert ended with a sharp performance of Mussorgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition.’ … Post-concert festivities included a red carpet and photo area fit for Instagrammers, as well as performance opportunities for musicians ranging from singer-songwriters to a cappella and clarinet ensembles.”
The NJSO provided free bus transportation from Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts, William Paterson University, Drew University, Fairleigh Dickenson University and the College of Saint Elizabeth.
Special “tweet seats” were available for students who wanted to read live program notes (posted by the NJSO via Twitter and share real-time comments about their experience.
Lots of energy from Eugene Tzigane and orchestra, nice wind solos and big finish on Polovtsian Dances #NJSOCollegeNight
— Ronni Reich (@RonniReich) March 2, 2013
Eugene Tzigane is such an intense conductor, I love it. @njsymphony #NJSOCollegeNight
— Malden Comanda (@maldendotcom) March 2, 2013
At the post-concert party, students (and musicians!) had fun mugging for cameras in front of the Hollywood-style photo backdrop. Student performers from Drew and Fairleigh Dickinson entertained the crowd, as did a clarinet ensemble from William Paterson with special guests from the NJSO clarinet section.
NJSO musicians Andrew Lamy and Michael Stewart gave an impromptu performance of traditional Irish music as the party concluded—the music inspired some students to find some space to dance!
Even before the night had drawn to a close, students were asking whether the Orchestra would repeat the event next season. We had so much fun, we’ll definitely host College Night again next year, so stay tuned!
The Star-Ledger’s Peggy McGlone may have summed up the allure of the March 1 event best: “A ticket to [the concert]. Ten bucks. A post-concert party with live music, and busing to Newark and home again. Free. A hundred or more college students at a classical music concert? Priceless.”
@njsymphony: William Paterson University Clarinet Ensemble, Hollywood style. #NJSOCollegeNight twitter.com/NJSymphony/sta…
— New Jersey Symphony (@NJSymphony) March 2, 2013
#SafeToSay @njsymphony's inaugural #NJSOCollegeNight was a success #GreatNight
— chris ♪ mason (@jewMASONmecrazy) March 2, 2013
Learn more about College Night at www.njsymphony.org/college.