WESTFIELD – The Board of Trustees of New Jersey Festival Orchestra cordially invites the community to support the Arts at the NJFO Gala 2024 Viva Flamenco. The event, featuring renowned guest Flamenco dancers and musicians, as well as musicians from NJ Festival Orchestra, will take place on Thursday, April 11th at Stonehouse at Stirling Ridge, Warren.
In making the announcement earlier this week, Keith Hertell, President of the NJFO Board of Trustees, shared the news that Mercedes Benz of Union dealer Ray Catena will be the lead Gala sponsor for the celebration.
The evening will feature performances by Flamenco performers Jose Moreno, Pedro Cortes and Paloma Rios.
A master of flamenco dance, cante, percussion and guitar, Jose Moreno has performed with many of the most prestigious organizations and venues in this country and Spain including Carnegie Hall, The Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Kennedy Center, the Washington National Opera, Canal Sur and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Third generation master Flamenco guitarist Pedro Cortes has international recognition as a soloist and composer. He has had works premiered by the Carlota Santana Spanish Dance Company at the Joyce Theater in New York and was commissioned by the Cohen Brothers to compose music for the film Paris Je t’Aime. He has been a guest artist with the St. Louis Opera and the New York Grand Opera, and has performed as Musical Director with the Guthrie Theater in Garcia Lorca’s Bodas de Sangre.
Paloma Rios is an established dancer in NYC and is noted for her “raw” flamenco style. She has shared the stage with Grammy-winning guitarist Antonio Rey and performs with the “Flamenco Vivo” company.
The evening will also feature performances by members of NJ Festival Orchestra, under the baton of Maestro David Wroe.
“We invite the entire community to be a part of this unique and memorable Gala concert celebrating 41 years of glorious music from this fully professional orchestra” said Mr. Hertell. “This is a unique opportunity to celebrate achievements and simultaneously support critical NJFO missions. ” Mr. Hertell explained that proceeds from the Gala will help to ensure that world class professional music will continue to thrive in Westfield and beyond. Monies raised will also support the NJFO mission to bring the joy of music to underserved communities, develop music education programs for children, and bring music therapy programs to hospitals and hospices.
The Gala will offer an array of unique items and experiences for auction, including get-away packages to exotic locations, tickets to some of the best theater locations in NY and NJ, premium ticket packages for sporting events as well as eclectic dining opportunities. A silent auction of items donated by local retailers, restaurants and businesses will also run throughout the evening.
In his statement, Mr. Hertell also acknowledged the outstanding, longterm generosity from Ray Catena of Union commenting, “The Arts continue to struggle. It is essential that we all rally to continue the tradition of offering professional live music within our community. We are deeply grateful to Ray Catena of Union for their continued support.”
Invitations to the NJFO Gala Viva Flamenco celebration have been mailed to NJ Festival Orchestra subscribers and supporters, but attendance is open to the public.
Individual and corporate sponsorships and underwriting opportunities are also available.
To learn more about the event opportunities or to purchase tickets which are available on a first-come first-served basis, go to www.njfestivalorchestra.org or to call the NJFO office at (908) 232-9400.
