THE CAPITAL PHILHARMONIC of NEW JERSEY
Meet The Maestros
This season features a compelling mix of guest conductors and Music Director search finalists — each bringing a unique voice to the podium as we look ahead to the future of our orchestra. From a powerful World Premiere and a sparkling New Year’s Eve celebration to timeless classics and a Season Finale that honors our Nation's 250th Anniversary and our Youth Concerto Competition winner, the Capital Philharmonic’s 2025–2026 season showcases bold programming and fresh perspectives.
Kenneth T. Bean, Guest Conductor
Maestro Bean will make his Capital Philharmonic conducting debut as a guest conductor at our Chamber Orchestra concert on March 1, 2026. Experience the Capital Philharmonic in an intimate chamber setting as guest conductor Kenneth Bean leads a program rich in energy, texture, and contrast. From the elegance of Mozart to the modern brilliance of Caroline Shaw, this evening offers a vibrant journey through orchestral color and form. Bean, celebrated for his dynamic podium presence and deep commitment to youth and community, brings a fresh perspective to this thoughtfully curated concert — where every instrument and voice has room to shine.
Kyle Ritenauer
Conductor Kyle Ritenauer leads a richly expressive program of sweeping Romanticism and vivid color. Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A minor opens with lyrical power, followed by the folk-inspired brilliance of Kodály’s Dances of Galánta. The evening culminates in Tchaikovsky’s emotionally charged Symphony No. 5 — a masterwork of passion, fate, and triumph.A dynamic presence on concert stages across the U.S. and Europe, Ritenauer has conducted the New York Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, and the Juilliard Orchestra. He currently serves as Director of Orchestral Studies at Montclair State University.
Ruth Ochs
After a stunning debut with us last fall, conductor Ruth Ochs returns to the podium as a Music Director finalist — this time to lead our most festive night of the year. Celebrate the turning of the year with a program that dances across borders and centuries — from the swirling romance of Strauss’s Blue Danube to the spirited rhythms of Spain and beyond. This joyful concert is filled with color, flair, and just the right amount of sparkle. And the celebration doesn’t stop when the music ends — raise a glass at our post-concert champagne reception featuring live jazz performed by members of the orchestra.
Joshua Gerson
Conductor Joshua Gersen brings a fresh and inspiring perspective to this season finale, celebrating American voices through powerful storytelling and unforgettable sound. The program opens with Luminosity by local composer Chris Rogerson, includes Copland’s stirring Lincoln Portrait, and concludes with DvoÅ™ák’s New World Symphony — a heartfelt tribute to America’s spirit, just ahead of the Nation’s 250th anniversary. A former Assistant Conductor of the New York Philharmonic and a frequent guest with orchestras across North America, Gersen is known for his expressive style, adventurous programming, and deep commitment to music education and contemporary composers.
Sandro Naglia, Finalist - Music Director Search
Maestro Naglia made his Capital Philharmonic conducting debut — and his audition for Music Director — at our 'Drama & Irony' concert last April. As a singer Maestro Naglia earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Music Conservatoire of Pescara, Italy and a Master of Arts in Humanities from Rome University. Since 1996 he has regularly taught courses and seminars, and has been invited to give master classes by the University of Southern California Los Angeles, University of Oregon, University of Melbourne, Academy of Music and Opera House of Tashken. He is currently on the adjunct faculty of Union College of Union County, in Cranford, NJ.
Sebastian Grand
Passionate about music education, Sebastian was appointed music director of the Youth Orchestra of Bucks County in 2024. He directs the Grand School of Music, overseeing instrumental tuition for over 200 students, and has worked as a conductor for the Bucks County Music Educators’ Association and Pennsylvania Music Educator’s Association. Sebastian has served as a coach and accompanist for the Philadelphia International Music Festival, and has held adjunct faculty positions at Lafayette College and George School.