NJSO presents Spring into Music gala: ‘An Evening of Gershwin’

GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE & FIRST LADY MARY PAT CHRISTIE ARE HONORARY GALA CHAIRS

PNC—REPRESENTED BY DARIA PLACITELLA & LINDA BOWDEN—AND ROBERT C. & MARY ELLEN WAGGONER ARE GALA HONOREES

NEWARK, NJ (March 8, 2013)—The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra hosts Spring into Music, its annual spring fundraising event, on Saturday, April 20, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. The event—“An Evening of Gershwin”—includes cocktails, dinner and a silent auction, followed by an NJSO POPS concert featuring the music of George Gershwin, conducted by Gerald Steichen. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie are honorary gala chairs.

NJSO Board of Trustees Co-Chairs Ruth Lipper and Stephen Sichak Jr. said: “We are honored by Governor Chris Christie and First Lady Mary Pat Christie’s support of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. This annual gala raises funds necessary for the Orchestra to continue to bring artistic, education and community engagement programs to audiences, students and communities across the state—activities that are valued by the Governor and First Lady.”

The evening’s honorees are PNC—represented by NJSO trustees Daria Placitella and Linda Bowden—and NJSO life trustee Robert C. Waggoner and his wife, Mary Ellen. The Orchestra recognizes the honorees for their extraordinary support of and dedication to the NJSO and the arts, education and community development in New Jersey.

Lipper and Sichak said: “The NJSO is proud to honor PNC for its many years of exceptional support of the NJSO—especially our music education and community outreach initiatives in the Greater Newark area—and for its commitment to early childhood education and community and economic development, including arts and culture. As Trustees representing PNC on the NJSO Board, Linda Bowden and Daria Placitella have each given the Orchestra more than 10 years of service.

“We are also proud to honor Bob and Mary Ellen Waggoner for their many years of exceptional support of and service to the NJSO. After 33 years serving on the NJSO Board of Trustees—including three as President—Bob was elevated to the new status of Life Trustee in September 2012.”

The Orchestra’s third NJSO POPS concert of the season caps the evening. Steichen returns to the NJSO stage to lead the Orchestra in Gershwin favorites including An American in Paris, selections from Porgy and Bess and Girl Crazy and songs such as “Embraceable You,” “Someone to Watch Over Me,” “’S Wonderful” and more. Soprano Katrina Thurman and baritone Jim Weitzer join Steichen and the Orchestra on stage.

All proceeds from the gala event will support the NJSO as it enriches lives through outstanding artistic, music education and community engagement programs.

For event packages and more information, visit www.njsymphony.org/spring.