Ticket Sale Soar At New Jersey Symphony

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has reason to rejoice as single ticket sales break recent records, and subscriptions sales gain 11% from the prior season. "We are surpassing our sales goals on every front," says Gus Gomide, Vice President of Marketing & Audience Development. "It's clear that our programming, community engagement efforts and a competitive pricing structure have been attractive to our audiences."

1,300 new subscribers have been added since last year and audiences can still subscribe to the current season till the end of February due to flexible subscription packages. Patrons can create their own trio of concerts starting at only $51 for all three concerts. The NJSO regularly travels to seven venues across the state in a season that spans from OctoberJune, making it easy for audiences to enjoy a concert in their own community.

Under the leadership of Music Director Neeme Järvi, the artistic excellence of the Orchestra been acclaimed by audiences and critics alike and is at an alltime high. Says Bradley Bambarger, classical music critic for the Star Ledger, about a recent performance " "¦Järvi drew a magnificent performance from the NJSO, with the brass section surpassing itself, in particular." His interpretations of beloved and wellknown classics are skillfully balanced with works that are less familiar to American audiences, and his trademark encores bring audiences to their feet.

A Järvi led New Jersey Symphony Orchestra concert never fails to bring magic to the concert hall. His popularity as a conductor continues as guest stints at European and American orchestras keep his schedule full, and recent concerts with The Philadelphia Orchestra and the Royal National Orchestra of Scotland have stirred worldwide excitement in the music industry and enhanced the reputation of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra far beyond the borders of the state.

The unique Golden Age Collection of rare string instruments has added an additional level of artistry to the extraordinary musical experience audiences have come to expect from the NJSO. In the hands of skilled musicians like concertmaster Eric Wyrick, principal cellist Jonathan Spitz, and the other 28 musicians who play the Stradivarius, Guarneri del Gesù and Amati violins, violas and cellos owned by the Orchestra, audiences have enjoyed a listening experience like no other.

The AIG/New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Broadcast Series, syndicated nationally through WFMT (Chicago) and through WQXR (the classical radio station of the New York Times) is serving to bring these concerts to a broader audience throughout the nation and the world.

The appointment of André Gremillet, who began his tenure as President and CEO of the NJSO in January 2007, heralds a new era for the organization. Gremillet, a former concert pianist and native of Montreal, Canada brings a new vision to the position, and the board, staff and musicians are unanimous in their excitement at his appointment and are energized by the attributes he brings to the NJSO. "His experience as a businessperson and musician, combined with his creativity and ability as a team leader and strategic thinker, are exactly what we need," noted Dr. Victor Parsonnet, chairman of the board. Gremillet will benefit from the unique cooperative relationship that exists between management and musicians.

Six positions on the board of trustees are reserved for NJSO musicians and this unusual and collaborative relationship has fostered deeper understanding between both groups.Labor negotiations with the musicians union were concluded in October, 2006, when a twoyear contract was ratified. The NJSO has been a leader in creating this model and is nationally recognized as one of the few tier one Symphony Orchestras that has been successful in bringing musicians into management and governance decisions. -- www.njsymphony.org