Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey Brings Mechanical Music to Life at the Bickford Theatre

The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey returns with a captivating performance for the Music Box Series, taking place on Friday, November 14, and Sunday, November 16, at the Bickford Theatre. This unique concert experience draws inspiration from the Morris Museum’s Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata, offering audiences a rare opportunity to see these historic devices in action while enjoying live orchestral performances.

Maestro Robert Butts, the artistic director of BONJ, has carefully curated a program that intertwines the intricate beauty of mechanical music with the expressive power of live performance. Three music boxes from the Guinness Collection will be featured during the concerts, each chosen for its historical significance and its connection to the works of legendary composers such as Giuseppe Verdi and Ludwig van Beethoven. Audiences will witness these mechanical marvels brought to life, with the music boxes playing alongside the orchestra, creating a striking dialogue between human musicianship and ingenious machinery.

The featured objects include the Cylinder Musical Box, circa 1861, which famously performs Verdi’s “Il Trovatore, mira di acerbe,” alongside two other remarkable music boxes. These devices, celebrated for their delicate craftsmanship and intricate mechanisms, allow attendees to experience the precision and artistry of 19th-century mechanical music. The pairing of live orchestral performance with these historical instruments offers a one-of-a-kind auditory and visual experience, highlighting how music has evolved while honoring its mechanical roots.

Special guests joining the orchestra for these performances include a talented ensemble of musicians: Theresa Carlomagno, Gary Pate, Daniel Colalillo, Diane Fox, Jason Adamo, Timothy Marueen Cole, and Dmitri Zigrino. Each artist brings their unique expertise to the stage, enhancing the textures and tonal colors of the program. From soaring violin passages to nuanced harpsichord flourishes, the live musicians complement the precise, mechanical tunes of the music boxes, offering audiences a multidimensional musical journey.

The program’s repertoire spans iconic compositions that have influenced the trajectory of Western classical music. Through Butts’ meticulous curation, listeners will encounter both familiar favorites and hidden gems, each framed by the enchanting presence of the mechanical instruments. The juxtaposition of old-world ingenuity with contemporary performance illuminates the artistry of composers past and present, demonstrating the timeless resonance of classical music.

Beyond the music itself, the performance serves as an immersive exploration of history, craftsmanship, and the evolution of musical expression. Attendees will gain insight into the mechanics behind the music boxes, appreciating the engineering that allowed 19th-century audiences to enjoy sophisticated, self-playing instruments. This blend of performance, history, and technology offers an educational and entertaining experience suitable for seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike.

Tickets for the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey’s performances are available through the Bickford Theatre, and the event promises to be a highlight for New Jersey’s cultural calendar. Fans of orchestral music, mechanical instruments, or unique live performances will find the combination of artistry, history, and innovation irresistible. For those looking to explore more of New Jersey’s vibrant performing arts scene, visit Explore New Jersey Theatre for upcoming events, schedules, and cultural highlights throughout the state.

This special Music Box Series concert illustrates the orchestra’s commitment to creative programming and immersive audience experiences, showcasing the magic that happens when music and history intersect in unexpected ways. Don’t miss the chance to see the Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey transform mechanical melodies into a living, breathing performance that celebrates the enduring beauty of classical music.