Capital Philharmonic Receives Grant For Composer-in-Residence Program

MUSIC TO THEIR EARS: The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey, pictured here in a recent concert at Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, learned this past December that they had secured a grant of nearly $191,000 from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. (Photo by Andrew Wilkinson)

By Anne Levin (Town Topics)

The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey is ending its 2025-26 season on an upbeat note. The orchestra, which performs Sunday, May 17, at 4 p.m. at the New Jersey State Museum Auditorium, secured a grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) late last year, to fund a composer-in-residence program as well as help with salaries for musicians and an expanded staff.

The orchestra was one of 39 organizations throughout the state to get support under Phase II of the Activation, Revitalization, and Transformation (A.R.T.) program, which was piloted in Newark and Atlantic City and now includes 31 municipalities. A total of $15 million was awarded “to support the revitalization of commercial corridors by community-focused arts and cultural organizations,” according to the NJEDA website.

Applying for the grant as a composer-in-residence program to build a bridge to classical music “follows our aim to make classical music accessible,” said Jill Aguayo, the orchestra’s executive director. “We want to try to bring in the Trenton audience.”

The success of the world premiere of “Oh God … Beautiful Machine” a collaboration of composer Vince di Mura and poet Yusef Komunyakaa last fall, led to the appointment of di Mura as composer-in-residence. Next fall, the orchestra will premiere his “Hotel Ritz.”

“It will be a kind of conversation between the orchestra and a Cuban band,” said Aguayo. “It’s about Ernest Hemingway at the Ritz Hotel in Paris, and also in Cuba.”

Di Mura has been working with students from Foundation Academies in Trenton on the piece, which will involve several other choruses including the Capital Singers.

“He met with the students last week and they gave him a lot of ideas,” said Aguayo. “They are working on how to set text to music.”

An additional component of the composer-in-residence program is work by board member Joel Phillips, who has championed the Young Composers Initiative. “He’s teaching 10 high school students from the area, giving them lessons once a week,” said Aguayo. “At the end of November, we’ll have a reading session with the orchestra playing the pieces they create. That’s part of the grant.”

Meanwhile, the orchestra is getting closer to a decision on hiring a new music director. Joshua Gerson, the final candidate of the five in the running — culled from an initial 75 applicants — will conduct the upcoming concert. On the program, which pays tribute to the 250th anniversary of the nation, are works by Aaron Copland, Antonin Dvorak, Chris Rogerson, and the winner of the Youth Concerto Competition.

“After that, the search committee, which includes not just our orchestra members but outside conductors like Michael Pratt, will have several meetings,” said Aguayo. “Then we may go back and have short interviews with each of the candidates. We’re planning to made a recommendation to the board by mid-June.”

Filling the 1,800-seat Patriots Theater has been a continuing challenge for the orchestra. Aguayo is optimistic that audiences will grow in the future. Efforts are being made to make the experience more immersive, with art exhibits in the lobby, vendors, and a more social atmosphere.

“We had a 30 percent increase this year over last at our New Year’s Eve concert,” said Aguayo. “And with cross-genre things like ‘Hotel Ritz,’ we will reach other audiences. We did it last year, and I know we will do it again.”

Visit capitalphilharmonic.org for ticket information.

Supported by funding through the NJEDA’s A.R.T. - Phase II Grant Program