WESTFIELD — The New Jersey Festival Orchestra closes its season with One Thousand and One Nights, an evening inspired by the legendary Arabian tales that gave rise to Rimsky-Korsakov’s beloved orchestral masterpiece Scheherazade. Presented in collaboration with the Slovak-American Cultural Center (S-ACC), the program blends storytelling, international artistry, and symphonic color in performances on Saturday, May 30 at 7:00 pm at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield and Sunday, May 31 at 2:30 pm at the Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge.
At the center of the program is Scheherazade, Rimsky-Korsakov’s vivid musical interpretation of the timeless stories told by Scheherazade night after night to save her life. Sweeping melodies, shimmering orchestration, and dramatic contrasts immerse audiences in a world of myth and imagination, bringing the spirit of the legendary tales vividly to life.
“It is music that represents the rolling sea, the drama of adventure, and the allure of exotic romance,” says NJFO Music Director David Wroe, describing the work as “an irresistible musical combination” that transports listeners into the world of One Thousand and One Nights.
The evening also features internationally acclaimed Slovak guitarist Karol Samuelcík performing Joaquín Rodrigo’s Fantasía para un gentilhombre. Presented through NJFO’s collaboration with the Slovak- American Cultural Center, Samuelcík brings warmth and virtuosity to Rodrigo’s celebrated work inspired by 17th-century Spanish music and dance traditions.
“The Slovak-American Cultural Center is thrilled to partner— again—with the NJFO to introduce world-renowned guitarist Karol Samuelcík to American audiences,” writes S-ACC Board Member and longtime NJFO supporter Tanya Pulver. “ Performing Joaquín Rodrigo’s celebrated Fantasía para un gentilhombre, Samuelcík promises to enchant listeners, pairing the concerto’s historic elegance with his signature vibrant energy and technical brilliance.”
“What I love about the piece is its elegance, colour, and contrast,” Samuelcík says. “The guitar creates a dialogue with the orchestra.”
Together, these works create an evening shaped by imagination and storytelling, where music becomes the narrator and the orchestra brings centuries-old legends to life.
Tickets are available at www.njfestivalorchestra.org/concerts or by calling (908) 232-9400. Discounts are available to highschool and college students.
