THE CAPITAL PHILHARMONIC of NEW JERSEY
Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey Names
Kyle Ritenauer as Next Music Director
Lincoln Center Regular to Lead Trenton’s Acclaimed Orchestra
TRENTON, N.J. — June 29, 2026 — The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey (CPNJ) is pleased to announce the appointment of conductor Kyle Ritenauer as its next Music Director. Ritenauer will begin his tenure with the orchestra in the 2026–2027 season.
Selected following an extensive national search, Ritenauer emerged from a highly competitive field of candidates through a process led by a Music Director Search Committee that included interviews, rehearsals and performances with the orchestra, and input from CPNJ audiences, musicians, staff, and trustees.
Ritenauer first appeared with the Capital Philharmonic in April 2026, leading a program that included Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade in A minor, Zoltán Kodály’s Dances of Galánta, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. His leadership on the podium was enthusiastically received by audiences and orchestra members alike.
“Kyle brings an impressive combination of artistic vision, collaborative spirit, and organizational experience,” said John Hatch, President of the Capital Philharmonic Board of Trustees. “We are excited to welcome him as the next Music Director of the Capital Philharmonic and to begin this new chapter together.”
Ritenauer is Director of Orchestral Studies at Montclair State University, where he leads the Symphony Orchestra, conducts the Cali Opera Program, and heads graduate orchestral conducting studies. A regular presence at Lincoln Center, he led more than 20 performances with the New York City Ballet last season and has conducted over a dozen performances at The Juilliard School. He has also conducted the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and recently made his debut as guest conductor with the New Jersey Symphony. In the world of opera, Ritenauer has served on the conducting staffs of Opera de Montreal, the Des Moines Metro Opera, and The Juilliard School Vocal Arts Program. He has been a member of the Artistic Staff of the Manhattan School of Music since 2021 and has served on the conducting faculty of The Pierre Monteux School since 2024.
As Music Director, Ritenauer will provide artistic leadership for CPNJ’s mainstage concert season, work with the orchestra and board on programming and long-range artistic planning, and participate in the organization’s efforts to deepen connections throughout Trenton and the surrounding region.
Ritenauer said, “From the very first rehearsal, I felt a natural connection with the musicians of CPNJ, and that rapport resulted in a truly thrilling performance. I am equally excited by the opportunity to continue growing the orchestra’s presence in Trenton alongside the phenomenal team leading CPNJ.”
“We are especially grateful to everyone who participated in this search,” said Melissa Bohl, Chair of the Music Director Search Committee. “The process reflected the care and seriousness with which our musicians, board, and staff approached this decision. We are confident that Kyle will be an excellent artistic leader for the orchestra and an engaged presence in our community.”
The Capital Philharmonic is also pleased to welcome two new members to its Board of Trustees: Wenya Fan and Llundon Lawson.
Fan contributed significantly to publicity and community outreach for CPNJ’s 2025 world-premiere production of Vince di Mura’s Oh God…Beautiful Machine. Lawson is Director of Development for Garden State Equality and previously served as Development Manager for the New Jersey Symphony. Their experience and commitment to the arts and the orchestra will be valuable assets as CPNJ continues to expand its community presence.
Save the Date: Ritenauer will make his first appearance as Music Director on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at Patriots Theater at the Trenton War Memorial for CPNJ’s 2026–2027 Opening Night. The concert will feature two world premieres by composer-in-residence Vince di Mura, made possible through a New Jersey Economic Development Authority A.R.T. Phase II grant awarded to CPNJ for its Composer in Residence: A Bridge to Classical Music project. The program will open with Harmony Villa, a new work for chorus and orchestra developed with the participation of students from Trenton’s Foundation Academy, followed by Hotel Ritz, which brings together the orchestra and a Cuban band in a work inspired by Latin musical traditions.
