MESSAGE FROM NJFO BOARD PRESIDENT KEITH S. HERTELL
Dear Valued NJFO Patrons,
We hope that everyone is well and staying safe during this challenging time in our lives.
For over 35 years New Jersey Festival Orchestra has sought to serve you by bringing magnificent live orchestral music to our communities and beyond. Today, we are facing the gravest crisis in our history, but our Board, Music Director David Wroe, and staff are working diligently to ensure the survival of this beloved institution. We are focusing on the future and hope to be ready to once again present our world-class performances when these troubled times are behind us.
Cancellation of NJFO concerts and events through August 31
In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Orders, guidelines from the CDC, New Jersey Department of Health, Madison Health Department, Westfield Board of Health and our venue partners, we have canceled all of our concerts in March and May. We have also canceled our major fundraising events – The Tour of Notable Homes and the NJFO Gala. These have been painful decisions, but it is critical that we at NJFO consider what is best for our community and do our part to help contain the virus.
What this means for you
For NJFO subscribers and all other ticket holders we offer the following options:
- Please consider donating your tickets back to us and receive a tax deduction for the total ticket value. This option will help the Orchestra the most as we strive to fortify finances during this uncertain period.
- Exchange your tickets for an NJFO concert of your choice in the 20-21 season. All exchange fees will be waived.
Please consider making a general donation if you can. This will help support the orchestra during this challenging and painful time as we navigate the significant, ongoing impact of the COVID-19 situation and grapple with how to stay afloat financially. At this extraordinary moment in history, the continued commitment and support of all of you — subscribers, single ticket buyers, and donors — has never been more important.
Looking to the future
We at NJFO remain committed to providing world-class live musical experiences to audiences and opportunities for musicians to play. The good news is that many of our distinguished guest singers and soloists who were scheduled to appear in March and May have committed to partnering with us once again in the 20-21 season. We look forward to seeing our talented musicians perform with these guests, and at all other NJFO concerts next season. We will shortly be announcing a wonderful new season program, scheduled to begin, as usual, in October. Please stay tuned for details.
Thank you for your patience, consideration and understanding during these extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances. Above all, thank you for your dedication as a member of the NJFO family. You are the reason we are here - this season and in future seasons. Let us all stand together to rebound and keep our music thriving!
Yours truly,
Keith S. Hertell, NJFO Board President
