NJIO Celebrates Season With a Free Family Concert on Dec. 17 in New Providence

WHEN: December 17, 2017, at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: New Providence High School, 35 Pioneer Drive, New Providence
ADMISSION: Free
NJIO is committed to ensuring that its programs and concerts are accessible to all. For more information regarding the concert or to inquire about patron services, please contact Mary Beth Sweet at (908) 603-7691, info@njio.org, or visit NJIO’s website at http://www.njio.org or follow us on Facebook.

The New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra will continue their 2017-2018 season with their annual Family Holiday Concert. The performance will feature performances from all three of NJIO’s orchestral ensembles, as well as the special guest, Australian ensemble Arts Alive. NJIO’s featured soloist will be the second-place winner of the Young Artist Concerto Competition, violinist Eilene Lee.

Concertgoers will enjoy a variety of selections that celebrate traditions of the season, including popular works like Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.” Talented young soloist Eilene Lee will be performing the incredible Violin Concerto #1 by Max Bruch. Children especially will enjoy this delightful concert which includes audience participation on certain holiday favorites. Following the concert, members of the orchestra will host their always-popular “Instrument Petting Zoo,” where kids will have the opportunity to try out a variety of orchestral instruments.  Bring the whole family to celebrate the holiday season with music and fun with NJIO!

Eilene Lee, 15, a sophomore at Bergen County Academies, started violin at the age of 5.  Eilene has been studying with Yu-Jeong Lee and currently is a student of Naoko Tanaka at The Juilliard School, pre-college division.  Eilene has won prizes in several national and international violin competitions.  She has participated in several music programs including The Echo Music Festival and School, and The Saarburg International Music Festival and School in Saarburg, Germany.  She enjoys playing in many orchestras that include New Jersey Region I Junior High School Orchestra (2015, 2016-Concertmaster), New York Youth Symphony Orchestra (September 2015 to May 2016), and Juilliard Pre-college Symphony (2016 - current).  She also volunteers at various charitable events with her chamber group and the Good Neighbor Ensemble.

The Arts Alive Combined Schools Band Program comprises some of the most talented young musicians from various public schools in the Northern and Western Sydney areas.  Together with their conductor, James Hill (LEFT), the group has had the opportunity to perform at many prestigious events and concerts, including an annual performance at both Sydney Opera House and Sydney Town Hall. 
Be sure to arrive to the concert a half hour early to enjoy a short yet delightful performance by NJIO’s Prelude Ensemble, led by conductor Robert Anderson, in the lobby, as well as a performance by our Flute Choir at intermission!

About NJIO
NJIO, now in its 24^th season, has been recognized as a national leader in intergenerational excellence through its unique approach to teaching musical performance.  Not only do the  members aged 8 to 80 play together, but they also mentor one another.  In addition to providing free concerts and outreach to the community, NJIO has been invited to perform at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. and at the United Nations, and was a finalist for the Eisner Prize for Intergenerational Excellence.  NJIO welcomes new members of all ages and abilities each concert period to one of its several orchestras—no auditions needed! 

This program is made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.