New Jersey Festival Orchestra Opens Season with “The Gypsy Spirit”— Two Concerts, Two Unforgettable Programs

(WESTFIELD & BASKING RIDGE, NJ) — The New Jersey Festival Orchestra (NJFO), under the baton of Music Director David Wroe, launches its 2025–26 season with The Gypsy Spirit, a dynamic season-opening celebration presented across two performances: Saturday, September 27 at 7:00pm at The Presbyterian Church in Westfield, and Sunday, September 28 at 3:00pm at the Sieminski Theater in Basking Ridge.

Violinist Xiao Wang headlines both concerts as soloist in Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1, one of the most beloved works of the Romantic era. Praised by The New York Times as “an excellent violinist” and by La Soir for his “dazzling brilliance of sonorities,” Wang has appeared on world stages from New York to Budapest and brings his remarkable virtuosity and expressive depth to Bruch’s soaring, impassioned score.

Each performance offers its own unique flavor. On September 27 in Westfield, NJFO joins forces with Imperial Brass to present Janáček’s monumental Sinfonietta, a rarely performed tour de force of blazing brass fanfares, driving rhythms, and exhilarating orchestral color. Paired with Bruch’s concerto and de Falla’s Flamenco-infused Three-Cornered Hat Suites Nos. 1 & 2, the program showcases music born of folk traditions and transformed into symphonic brilliance.

The following afternoon, on September 28 at the Sieminski Theater, audiences will experience a refined version of The Gypsy Spirit featuring Xiao Wang in Bruch’s concerto alongside de Falla’s dazzling Spanish suites. Bursting with Andalusian rhythms, humor, and fiery dance energy, de Falla’s music transports listeners to the heart of Spain for an unforgettable symphonic journey.

Tickets for The Gypsy Spirit in Westfield (Sept. 27) and Basking Ridge (Sept. 28) range from $50–$90, with special $25 student tickets available for the Westfield performances. For tickets and more information, please visit www.njfestivalorchestra.org.

“Launching the season with The Gypsy Spirit allows us to bring audiences not one, but two unique experiences,” said Maestro Wroe. “The Westfield concert highlights Janáček’s massive sound world through our thrilling collaboration with Imperial Brass, while the Basking Ridge program shines with Bruch’s lyricism and de Falla’s irresistible colors. Both evenings are distinct, but both deliver the fire, romance, and folk vitality at the heart of this program.”

The New Jersey Festival Orchestra is a premier, fully professional, symphony orchestra. Founded in Westfield in 1983, NJ Festival Orchestra has grown to become one of New Jersey’s largest professional orchestras, having a presence throughout many cultural communities of New Jersey, and appearing as far afield as Carnegie Hall on a regular basis.

The name New Jersey Festival Orchestra reflects an ongoing celebration of the diversity of music and the creation of experiences that stretch the boundaries of traditional classical performances.

NJFO programs include classics from the orchestral repertory as well as offerings that showcase the fusion of fine arts and popular culture. This unique and dynamic approach to programming further brings classical music to life and creates an ongoing ‘festival’ of compelling presentations worthy of our name.

In addition to an adventurous subscription season, popular concerts near and far, and a rousing New Year’s Eve celebration, the New Jersey Festival Orchestra sponsors educational and music therapy programs throughout the state of New Jersey.