Plainfield, NJ – On September 15, 2018, the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra held its “Prelude to our Centennial” Showcase 2018 Gala. The event honored Ann Swain, director/curator of Swain Galleries, and Hon. Patricia Walsh, Somerset County Freeholder, for their achievements and their contributions to the community.
One hundred and forty guests enjoyed the evening, which began with a cocktail reception at Plainfield Country Club. Guests enjoyed cocktails on the terrace with views of the championship golf course and the New York City skyline. During the reception, guests were also treated to a musical performance by PSO Music Director Charles Prince and PSO Concertmaster Evelyn Estava. After the cocktail reception, guests enjoyed dinner and a live auction conducted by New Jersey Assemblyman Jon Bramnick, a long-time supporter of the Orchestra.
“The Season Showcase is a long-standing PSO tradition, and this year’s event was our most successful ever,” said Peter Lomonaco, President of the Plainfield Symphony Board of Directors. “PSO thanks our honorees, Ann Swain and Patricia Walsh, and Jon Bramnick, who conducted our live auction. Every member of our Board of Directors worked hard on this event, and we are grateful for their support.”
The event was sponsored by PSEG and supported by numerous contributions. PSO thanks all those who attended and support the event. These contributions support PSO in its mission to stimulate interest in symphonic music in the central New Jersey area and provide educational opportunities through youth and family-oriented concerts.
“As PSO prepares to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2019, we look forward to a new season of outstanding classical and pops performances,” said Lomanaco. “As New Jersey’s oldest community symphony, and the 3rd oldest continuously operating community symphony in the country, we invite all Central Jersey residents to be part of this amazing year.”
The Plainfield Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey’s oldest community orchestra, will present “Passion and Poetry,” its 99th season opener, on Saturday, October 13, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. Led by the orchestra's internationally acclaimed Music Director, Charles Prince, the program features highlights from Richard Wagner’s Die Walküre, Tristan und Isolde, and Tannhäuser.
The 99th season will also feature concert after parties offering a full buffet supper in historic Plainfield private residences, a longstanding PSO tradition. Following the October 13 concert, an after party will be held at 1419 Evergreen Avenue, which has been featured on a previous PSO “Homes for the Holidays” House Tour. Admission to the after party is $50 and tickets can be purchased at www.plainfieldsymphony.org or paid at the door with a reservation.
As New Jersey’s oldest community symphony and the third oldest continuously operating community symphony in the United States, the Plainfield Symphony Orchestra represents the highest standard in musical excellence in programs designed to educate and uplift local audiences. Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, through a grant administered by the Union County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs.