BREAKING: The Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey is set to launch its new season with the premiere of the concert “Oh God…Beautiful Machine” this Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 7:30 p.m.. This poignant event will honor the legacy of late Trenton arts advocate Larry Hilton, who passed away on July 2.
“Our mission is to make live classical music accessible to all,” said Jill Aguayo, executive director of the Capital Philharmonic. This concert, commissioned by Hilton himself, serves as a bridge for the community to engage with diverse musical styles.
Attendees can expect a fusion of symphonic jazz, classical, Latin, and Chinese music. The concert will spotlight compositions by Vince di Mura, a composer affiliated with Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts, alongside poetry from Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Yusef Komunyakaa. “It’s really going to be a world tour of genres and styles,” Aguayo emphasized.
Before the main event, concertgoers are invited to arrive early at 5:30 p.m. for live music, interactive vendor tables, and a pre-concert talk with di Mura. The concert will take place at the historic Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, located at 1 Memorial Drive, Trenton.
Conductor Sebastian Grand will lead nearly 100 musicians during this immersive experience, which aims to honor musical legends such as Paul Robeson and Carlos Santana. Each piece is designed to explore various cultural influences, including Native American and Afro-Caribbean rhythms.
“This piece is unlike anything else,” di Mura stated. “It’s an immersive experience that invites the audience into a soundscape of both urgency and beauty.” The concert is described as a celebration of cultural heritage and an urgent call to appreciate the arts.
Tickets are available for purchase through the Capital Philharmonic of New Jersey’s website. This concert not only pays tribute to Hilton’s vision but stands as a testament to the power of community engagement through the arts.
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to honor a beloved figure in Trenton’s artistic landscape while enjoying a unique blend of music that promises to captivate and inspire.