WESTFIELD – The Board of Trustees of New Jersey Festival Orchestra cordially invites the community to support the arts at the NJFO Gala 2025 Crescendo. The event, featuring a special performance by prodigy pianist Amelia Ly, as well as musicians from NJ Festival Orchestraand other surprise guests, will take place on Friday, May 2, at The Grand Centurions, Clark, NJ.
This year’s grand fundraising gala will celebrate classical music’s stars of tomorrow.Child prodigyAmeliaLy will demonstrate her nationally renowned virtuosic skills in a performance of Beethoven’s Piano ConcertoNo. 2.
Ten-year-old Amelia Ly was born in Peoria, IL, where she started her piano journey at the age of four. Featured by ABC News and NPR News, Amelia has been noted as an exceptional young musician and has been awarded first-place winner in numerous international piano competitions, including in Vienna, London, Paris, and Bonn. Amelia has also performed as a guest artist for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra. In March 2023, Amelia had the great honor of performing with Dr. Nies at Rachmaninoff’s 150th Birthday Celebration Concert, which kickstarted the Vanderbilt University Sesquicentennial celebration.Amelia takes part in her public school gifted program and was accepted into the Vanderbilt University Program for Talented Youth SAVVY program and American Mensa Club in 2021.
“We invite the entire community to be a part of this unique and memorable Gala concert celebrating the musical stars of tomorrow as well as 42 years of glorious music from this fully professional orchestra,” said NJFO Board President Damien Dossin. “This is a unique opportunity to recognize musical achievements and simultaneously support critical NJFO missions.”
Mr. Dossin 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.
In addition to the musical performances by NJFO musicians and guest artists, the Gala will offer an array of unique items and experiences for auction, including getaway 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. Dossin also acknowledged the outstanding generosity of PNC, 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.”
Invitations to the NJFO Crescendo celebration have been mailed to NJ Festival Orchestra subscribers and supporters, but attendance is open to the public.
To learn more about the event opportunities or to purchase tickets, which are available on a firstcome, first-served basis, go to www.njfestivalorchestra.orgor call the NJFO office at 908-232-9400.
