“Orchestrating Impact: Stories from the Heart of New Jersey Symphony”
“Orchestrating Impact: Stories from the Heart of New Jersey Symphony” is a transformative podcast that highlights the profound influence of music and community connections in the Garden State. Hosted by Jamara Wakefield and produced by ABF Creative, this series embarks on a captivating journey to explore the untold stories of individuals who have experienced the New Jersey Symphony’s work deeply, including musicians, community members, educators and more.
You can watch the podcast on the New Jersey Symphony’s YouTube channel, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your preferred streaming platform!
Former New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra violinist Gael Barker shares his experience of performing with the Academy Orchestra for eight years and how his time there ignited his passion for music. He also discusses the relationships he made with his fellow Youth Orchestra musicians and coaches from the New Jersey Symphony and how the memories he made with them have shaped him into the person he is today.
Juan Carlos Narváez joins the podcast to discuss how his experience with the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra has shaped him as a musician and teacher. He also reflects on the key moments of growth and inspiration in his experience and how the Symphony helped him to discover his full potential.
Jazz luminary Stefon Harris shares the inspiring story of how music changed his life and why he believes that mentors can help young musicians realize their gifts and overcome challenges. He also underscores the unique role of an orchestra as a community catalyst as well as the importance of making a concert experience inclusive.
Sharon Salvador and Richard Marshall of the Newark School of the Arts discuss how their work is impacting their lives and the direct impact they’ve had on their students. They also discuss the critical role of advocacy in the arts. Discover the seamless collaboration with the New Jersey Symphony that propels this transformative endeavor forward.
In the inaugural episode, we are joined by Lauren Meehan, the Director of Arts Ed Newark. As a former youth violinist, Lauren sheds light on the crucial need for early and engaging arts education opportunities for young individuals. Dive into this insightful episode and explore the world of arts education with us!
Hear New Jersey Symphony concert recordings originally broadcast on WWFM and WQXR.
Hear David Ludwig’s NightVision, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5.
Hear world premieres from Leigha Amick, Jessie Leov, Paul Cosme and Santiago Beis, plus a work by Steven Mackey.
Hear Sarah Gibson’s warp & weft, Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique.
Hear Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, Walker’s Lilacs and Fauré’s Requiem.
Hear Chevalier de Saint-Georges’ Overture to L’amante anonyme and Violin Concerto in A Major, Op. 5, No. 2, Still’s Symphony No. 1, “Afro-American” and Beethoven’s Romance for Violin and Orchestra No. 2.
Hear world premieres from Tom Morrison, Kory Reeder, Sam Wu and Yangfan Xu, plus a work by Steven Mackey.
Hear Daniel Bernard Roumain’s Farah (Joy) for Voice and Orchestra, Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.
Hear Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio italien, Romeo and Juliet Fantasy-Overture and Suite from Swan Lake and Mason Bates’ Piano Concerto.
Hear world premieres from Dai Wei, Baldwin Giang, Jack Frerer and Sophia Jani.
Hear world premieres from Elise Alancio, Kevin Day, Erin Graham and Jared Miller.
Hear world premieres from Dan Caputo, Patrick O’Malley, Iván Enrique Rodríguez and Bora Yoon, plus a work by Steven Mackey.
Hear world premieres from Jonathan Cziner, Natalie Dietterich, Aaron Hendrix and Brian Shank.
Hear world premieres from Saad Haddad, Noah Kaplan, Sam Lipman and Alyssa Weinberg.
This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.