2025-2026 Concerts
SAT, September 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The Presbyterian Church
Westfield, NJ
SUN, September 27, 2026 at 2:30 PM
Sieminski Theater
Basking Ridge, NJ
America: Honoring 250 Years
Celebrate America's 250th anniversary as NJFO opens its 2026–2027 season with an inspiring musical journey. Aaron Copland's Lincoln Portrait honors Abraham Lincoln's enduring words through stirring orchestral music, while Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9, "From the New World" captures the spirit of America through unforgettable melodies inspired by the composer's time in the United States.
The performance at the Sieminski Theater features an expanded program with Mozart's sparkling Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, K. 365, performed by acclaimed young pianists Kate Lee and Kaiden Griggs. Together, these rising stars bring exceptional artistry to one of Mozart's most joyful and virtuosic works, adding a vibrant showcase of brilliance and collaboration to this celebratory season-opening concert.
Artists
David Wroe Conductor
New Jersey Festival Orchestra
Kate Lee & Kaiden Griggs 9.27 Only
Program
Copland Lincoln Portrait
Dvorak Symphony No. 9 "From the New World"
Mozart Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra K. 365
9.27 only
Guest Artists
Kate Lee and Kaiden Griggs
Pianists Kate Lee and Kaiden Griggs join New Jersey Festival Orchestra for a special performance of Mozart's Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra, K. 365 on September 27 at the Sieminski Theater. Both students of renowned pianist Dr. Anna Ouspenskaya, the young artists have earned acclaim through concerto appearances with orchestras in the United States and abroad, including performances at Carnegie Hall. Kate Lee has received top prizes in numerous international competitions and has been featured on several acclaimed recordings, while Kaiden Griggs has performed with Orchestra Manhattan and the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Together, they bring remarkable artistry and youthful brilliance to Mozart's beloved double concerto.
SAT, December 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The Presbyterian Church
Westfield, NJ
Return of the Holiday Tenors
Back by popular demand! NJFO’s festive holiday celebration features award-winning tenors, special guests, and seasonal favorites in a symphonic spectacular that brings the magic of the season to life.
Artists
Luke Norvell Tenor
Alessio Borraggine Tenor
Errin Duane Brooks Tenor
David Wroe Conductor
New Jersey Festival Orchestra
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Guest Artists
Errin Duane Brooks
Two-time Grammy Award-winning tenor Errin Duane Brooks is among today’s most sought-after voices. Following his third appearance as Mingo in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess at The Metropolitan Opera, he returned to Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra as Cavaradossi in Puccini’s Tosca and debuted with Pacific Symphony as Calaf in Turandot. In 2025, he made his European debut in Turandot with Opera på Skaret and sang the title role in Verdi’s Otello with Vashon Opera. Upcoming engagements include covers in Omar and Hérodiade with Lyric Opera of Chicago. Brooks holds degrees from Madonna University and Bowling Green State University and is based in New York City and Detroit.
Alessio Borraggine
Roman native Alessio Borraggine has been heard in concert at the Musikverein in Vienna, the Auditori of Barcelona, and the Alte Oper Frankfurt. His roles include Pinkerton, Turiddu, Cavaradossi, Don José, Rodolfo, Alfredo, Marcello (Leoncavallo's La bohème), and MacDuff with such theaters as Festival Puccini Torre del Lago, Juneau Lyric Opera, Opera Tampa, Miami Lyric Opera, Festival of the Aegean, Narnia Festival, Gulfshore Opera, Teatro di Salerno, Teatro di Cave, Teatro di Venticano, Teatro Lirica d'Europa, and Teatro Grattacielo. A NYC World Premiere in Rossini Perduto as Beppe De Scamozza, 2026 film debut in the HBOMax mini-series Portobello, upcoming in 2027 Beethoven's 9th at the Teatro Ghione in Rome, Italy.
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Luke Norvell
Tenor Luke Norvell, a recent graduate of the Academy of Vocal Arts where he studied under Bill Schuman, is quickly establishing himself as an exciting new voice on the operatic stage. In summer 2025, he sang selections of Tosca for the Princeton Festival and joined the prestigious Internationale Meistersinger Akademie in Germany. His 2025–2026 season includes Opera Roanoke’s opening Gala concert, a role and house début as Ferrando in Così fan tutte with Sarasota Opera, his Canadian début covering the Duke in Rigoletto with Canadian Opera Company, and Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly with Opera Grand Rapids. Recent highlights include the title role in Faust at AVA, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi with Opera Roanoke, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Mozart’s Requiem, and the world premiere of Derrick Wang’s Fearless with Opera Delaware, as well as performances with Opera Philadelphia and Utah Festival Opera.
THURS, December 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Westfield High School
Westfield, NJ
FRI, January 1, 2027 at 2:30 PM
Sieminski Theater
Basking Ridge, NJ
Broadway Through the Ages
NJFO’s signature New Year’s celebration returns with a dazzling symphonic tribute to Broadway’s greatest hits. Maestro David Wroe leads the NJ Festival Orchestra and a cast of Broadway soloists in a spirited journey through iconic favorites from America’s Great Songbook, a festive and glamorous way to ring in the New Year.
Artists
David Wroe Conductor
New Jersey Festival Orchestra
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